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 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
How do I grow Uvularia sessilifolia?
Prefers shaded woodland settings with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry conditions once established.
Where is the best place to plant Uvularia sessilifolia?
Uvularia sessilifolia prefers full shade. It suits shade positions.
What soil does Uvularia sessilifolia need?
Uvularia sessilifolia grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Uvularia sessilifolia?
Remove dead foliage in late fall or early spring to tidy appearance.
How big does Uvularia sessilifolia grow?
Uvularia sessilifolia reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Uvularia sessilifolia hardy in the UK?
Uvularia sessilifolia 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 sessilifolia?
Division in spring or autumn, seed sowing.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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