Overview

Uvularia perfoliata is a perennial forb in the genus Uvularia, part of the Colchicaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Uvularia perfoliata grows best in full shade, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Canada & E USA.

About

Uvularia perfoliata is a perennial forb that bears nodding, pale yellow bell-shaped flowers in April to May. It reaches about 0.4 m and often shows leaves that appear to clasp the stem, giving the species its common name. It prefers full shade on moist but well‑drained sandy or loamy soils and is fully hardy in UK gardens (H7; USDA 4–8). The brief spring display is most noticeable at the woodland floor level.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Uvularia perfoliata

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.

Wikipedia contributors, "Uvularia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Uvularia

In the garden

Uvularia perfoliata is a spring-flowering perennial forb in the Colchicaceae, native to Canada and the eastern United States. In its native habitats it occupies shaded woodland ground and floodplain or upland forest margins; in cultivation the plant is valued for its early nodding bells that appear before many other groundlayer species. Plant it where it will receive full shade and where soil remains moist but drains freely — sandy or loamy ground suits it best. The H7 rating means it is fully hardy across the UK and will tolerate winter frosts; the USDA 4–8 range gives additional context for colder or milder regions. Keep the site shaded and avoid waterlogged clay; an open, humus-rich surface layer will help retain moisture without causing standing water. Use Uvularia perfoliata in a shaded border, under deciduous trees or in a naturalistic woodland planting where a brief spring carpet of nodding, pale-yellow bells is wanted. Its 0.4 m height keeps it low in the spring sequence, and the April–May flowering window makes it a useful indicator plant for early season activity on the shade floor.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Uvularia

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Exposure

full shade

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Uvularia perfoliata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial forb

Height

0.4 m

Native to

Canada & E USA

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Uvularia perfoliata

Propagation

seed, division

Frequently asked questions