Description
Kirengeshoma –
There are two species of clump forming perennials, with short rhizomes in this genus. They occur in woodlands in Korea and Japan. They have broadly tubular, waxy, pale or bright yellow flowers, atop slender stalks in nodding, terminal cymes above pairs of elegant, maple like leaves. They are suitable for a shady border or woodland garden.
Grow in moist, lime free, acidic soil, enriched with leaf mold, in partial shade sheltered from wind. Divide in spring and/or fall.
Prone to slug and snail damage.
K. palmate – Yellow Wax-bells – This clump forming perennial from Japan grows 2-4’ feet tall and 30-36” wide. From short rhizomes sprouts arching, smooth, reddish-purple stems that carry broadly ovate, palmately lobed, slightly hairy, pale green leaves, 4-8” long, becoming smaller, simple, and almost stalkless towards the stem tips. From late summer to early autumn it bears nodding, terminal cymes of three broadly tubular, pale yellow flowers, to 1 ½” long, with recurved lobes and fleshy petals that overlap at the bases.
Zones 5-8
