Deinanthe bifida
Family: Hydrangeaceae
What it is like
Deinanthe bifida is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Woods in the mountains.
E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked. Root - cooked.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a cool rich well-drained peaty soil with shelter from the wind. Intolerant of drought. Requires shade, at least from the morning sun, in spring and autumn. A slow-growing plant, it does well in a rock garden.
Propagating it: Seed - best surface sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 months at 18°c. Surface sow stored seed in early spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. When large enough, plant them out in early autumn or in spring. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist