Overview

Uvularia sessilifolia is a perennial herb in the genus Uvularia, part of the Colchicaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Uvularia sessilifolia grows best in full shade, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland gardens and naturalizing. It is native to E Canada & E USA.

About

Uvularia sessilifolia is a spring-flowering perennial herb native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States, notable for its early-season creamy-yellow blooms. It grows to about 0.3 m and favours full shade on moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it is suited to woodland and naturalising plantings.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Uvularia sessilifolia

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 sessilifolia is a low perennial herb from eastern Canada and the eastern United States that makes a discreet ground layer in shaded sites; it reaches roughly 0.3 m and flowers in April to May with creamy-yellow blooms. Plant it where light is limited — the species prefers full shade and a moisture-retentive but well-drained medium, handling sandy or loamy soils provided they do not dry out completely. Hardiness rating H7 indicates the plant is fully hardy across the UK and will tolerate normal winter conditions; it also corresponds roughly to USDA zones 4–8. Sit plants in the shelter of trees or taller shrubs so the roots remain cool and the canopy provides dappled or full shade through the growing season. Use Uvularia sessilifolia in woodland borders, shaded drifts or naturalised patches where a short, steady ground cover is needed. It occupies the low layer of a shade planting at about 0.3 m and reliably produces its spring flowers in April to May, lending early-season colour beneath deciduous trees.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Uvularia

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Exposure

shade

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Uvularia sessilifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herb

Height

0.3 m

Suggested uses

woodland gardens, naturalizing

Native to

E Canada & E USA

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Uvularia sessilifolia

Cultivation

Prefers shaded woodland settings with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry conditions once established.

Pruning

Remove dead foliage in late fall or early spring to tidy appearance.

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn, seed sowing

Frequently asked questions