Triosteum pinnatifidum

Triosteum pinnatifidum is a rare botanical species, native to China, unique without being spectacular, and easily grown in shady situations. It first forms a beautiful compact clump of stems carrying large, deeply cut, dark green leaves, reminiscent of those of certain maples or even certain oaks. Its small white flowers give way in summer to large, white and fluffy fruits, which are curiously positioned in clusters at the centre of the lamina, at the junction of the stem with the petiole. This plant, related to honeysuckles, is fully hardy and thrives in damp undergrowth or in shaded borders.

Triosteum pinnatifidum is a plant of the family Caprifoliaceae, native to northwest China. This perennial plant produces leafy stems from spring, forming a dense, rounded clump, 60 cm (24in) tall and wide. Its large green leaves, 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) wide, are generally rounded and divided into 3 large lobes subdivided into 5 lobes. Their foliage is described as pinnatifid, an adjective that describes a deeply cut leaf resembling a comb. The flowering, quite discreet, takes place in May-June. The five-petaled flowers appear at the end of the stems, just below the last leaf. They are white-greenish in colour and arranged in clusters. The fruits that follow, are quite decorative and resemble large fluffy pearls, white or sometimes pinkish. This fruiting is thus positioned at the centre of the leaf, which further enhances the very unique appearance of the plant.

Excellent plants for damp shade or even occasionally dry shade, Triosteum pinnatifidum can be planted on the edge of undergrowth, under bushes, or in shaded borders. It will thrive alongside hostas, dead nettles and heucheras. Original and unique, it can also embellish an exotic garden or a Japanese garden, combined with large ferns or Tetrapanax papyrifera Rex. It is above all a charming curiosity that gardeners bored with 'the classics' will be delighted to welcome into their flower beds as a collector's item.