Kirengeshoma palmata

Sizes available: True gallon

Basics: zones 5-8, 3' x 2' (perhaps slightly larger, up to 4' x 3'), part to full shade, buttery yellow bells in mid to late summer, likes moist, but well-drained, acidic woodland soils. Does not like wet feet. I think this plant may be fine in morning sun with adequate moisture, but resents both heating up and drying out. I know I am making it sound like a prima donna but it's not!

Common names: Yellow Wax Bells

Family: Hydrangeaceae

Origin/Distribution: Japan, Korea, northeast China

Habitat: cool, moist, wooded foothills and mountain lowlands

More: Like Aralia racemosa, this is a somewhat shrubby architectural perennial that dies back to the ground in winter and puts on a significant amount of growth quite quickly. The sycamore leaf-shaped foliage is very attractive and gives structure to a shady border creating a transition from lower perennials to the understory layer. It has a lot of character and plays well with our native flora as well as with those other polite tourists the Hostas.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons