Disporum uniflorum

Disporum uniflorum, formerly known as Disporum flavens, is a beautiful perennial plant for shady areas.  Related to Solomon's Seal, this rhizomatous plant forms a clump of fresh green leafy stems that come alive in spring with delicate pale yellow bell-shaped flowers, followed by decorative blue-black berries later in the season. This Korean species, perfectly hardy, does not retain its foliage in winter. It easily adapts to the garden in a moist, humus-rich, non-calcareous soil, and also thrives in containers, always in partial shade or not too dense shade.

Disporum uniflorum, sometimes given as a synonym of Disporum sessile var. flavens, belongs to the Colchicaceae family. This botanical species is native to Korea where it grows on the edge of forests, on acidic to very acidic soils. It is a deciduous perennial plant with a creeping rhizome but without stolons, spreading and thickening over time without becoming invasive.  

Each spring, this plant produces quite spectacular young shoots that are upright and curved, unfolding into flexible stems that are both erect and trailing, with few branches. It forms a very flexible clump  of about 45 cm (18in) in all directions. The foliage consists of alternate leaves, measuring 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) long and 3 cm (1in) wide, strongly lanceolate and elongated, with prominent parallel veins. They are arranged on two ranks on either side of the stem, with a very bright, glossy green lamina. Flowering occurs in May-June, in the form of rather large tubular flowers, not fully open, 4 cm (2in) long,  of a light yellow colour, clustered in 2 or 3 pendulous units, arising from the terminal part of the stems or from the axils of the leaves. This is followed by fruits that turn from red to blue-black, spherical, measuring 8 to 10 mm (1in) in diameter. 

Disporum uniflorum will appreciate the moist areas of the garden, adding an exotic touch. It is easily cultivated in pots, allowing it to be paired with larger plants on the patio that provide the shade it seeks. This plant requires little care and tolerates competition from the roots of trees and bushes, but cannot tolerate any drought. It can be planted in woodland or dappled sunlight, to accompany the spring blooms of Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Pieris, camellias, and other hydrangeas. In these beds at the base of shrubs, for example, you can pair it with Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost, tulips 'Spring Green', and golden buttercups. Stunning in a flower pot, it can be paired with blue squills, followed by Fatsia, Papyrus, Colocasia ...