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 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
Where is the best place to plant Uvularia perfoliata?
Uvularia perfoliata prefers full shade. It suits full shade positions.
What soil does Uvularia perfoliata need?
Uvularia perfoliata grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Uvularia perfoliata grow?
Uvularia perfoliata reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Uvularia perfoliata hardy in the UK?
Uvularia perfoliata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Uvularia perfoliata?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
