Japanese Fairy Bells
Disporum sessile

Family: Colchicaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Green, White. Main Bloom Time: Late spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal, Upright or erect.

Disporum sessile is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Woods in hilly country and foothills all over Japan.

E. Asia - Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Woodland garden. Best grown in partial shade in a moist peaty or woodland soil. Plants spread rapidly by means of creeping rhizomes when they are grown in a leafy soil. This species is very closely related to Disporum nantouense, and both species could be identical. Special Features:Attractive foliage.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Use a lime-free compost and keep it moist. Stored seed requires 6 weeks cold stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Germination usually takes place within 3 - 6 months or more at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Uvularia sessile.