Overview

Uvularia grandiflora is a clump forming perennial herbaceous in the genus Uvularia, part of the Colchicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Uvularia grandiflora grows best in full shade, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland gardens and naturalizing. It is native to E North America.

About

Uvularia grandiflora is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Colchicaceae, noted for nodding yellow, bell-shaped flowers. It typically grows to about 0.3 m and prefers full shade. Flowers appear April to May, and the species is used for naturalising in woodland conditions.

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About the genus

Uvularia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Colchicaceae, which is closely related to the lily family (Liliaceae). They are commonly called bellworts, bellflowers, or merrybells. The genus name is derived from the Latin ūvula meaning "little grape", likely because of the way the flowers hang downward.

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In the garden

Uvularia grandiflora is a herbaceous perennial from eastern North America in the Colchicaceae. It stays low to the ground, reaching roughly 0.3 m, and produces nodding yellow, bell-like flowers in the spring, flowering April to May. The genus is valued where early-season blossom is needed beneath higher plants. Plant in a consistently moist but well-drained sandy or loamy soil in full shade; exposed sunny sites are unsuitable. In UK terms the species is H7, fully hardy, so it tolerates winter outdoors without protection in most locations. Allow enough room for individual plants to spread slowly; its low stature makes it appropriate to the front of a shady border or beneath low-growing shrubs. Use Uvularia grandiflora in woodland gardens and for naturalising under deciduous trees where shade intensifies later in the season. Because it flowers early, position it where the nodding yellow blooms can be seen before the canopy fills. Expect a modest, ground-hugging presence that performs best in a true shade setting rather than drier, sunnier soil.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Uvularia

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

shade

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Uvularia grandiflora size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herbaceous

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.3 m

Suggested uses

woodland gardens, naturalizing

Native to

E North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Uvularia grandiflora

Cultivation

Prefers shaded, moist, well-drained soils; avoid direct sun

Pruning

Remove dead foliage after flowering

Propagation

Division in early spring or seed

Pest resistance

Slugs, Snails

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions