Disporum sessile

Disporum sessile, also known as the Japanese Fairy Bell, is a lovely perennial that easily acclimatises to moist and humus-rich soil. Its habit resembles that of Solomon's Seal, but it surpasses its relative with the elegance of its foliage, which is more glossy, and the delicacy of its white bells edged with green. This Japanese species, which is particularly hardy, does not retain its foliage in winter. A beautiful border or semi-shaded bed plant, it also adapts well in a pot on a shaded patio or balcony.

Disporum sessile, sometimes given as a synonym for Disporum nantouense, belongs to the Colchicaceae family depending on the classification. This botanical species is native to Japan and Korea, where it grows on the edge of forests, on acidic or even peaty soils. It is a deciduous perennial with a creeping rhizome but without stolons, spreading over time without becoming invasive.

This plant produces quite spectacular young shoots, upright and arched, of dark red coluor, which unfold into flexible stems that are both erect and trailing, slightly branched. It will form a very flexible clump of about 40-45 cm (16-18in) 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 3 prominent parallel veins. The leaves are dark green and glossy. Flowering usually takes place in May, in the form of tubular flowers, slightly open, 3 cm (1in) long, white with green edges, gathered in pendulous clusters of 2 or 3 units, arising from the terminal part of the stems or in the axils of the leaves. It is followed by fruits that change from red to black-blue, spherical, measuring 8 to 10 mm (1in) in diameter.

Disporum sessile will appreciate the moist areas of the garden, where it will bring a touch of discreet elegance. It can be easily grown in pots, allowing it to be paired with larger plants on the patio that provide the shade it seeks. This plant, which requires little care and tolerates root competition from trees and bushes, does not tolerate any drought. It can be planted in the undergrowth or in dappled sunlight, to accompany the spring flowering of Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Pieris, Camellias, and other Hydrangeas. In these beds at the base of shrubs, for example, accompany it with Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost, 'Spring Green' tulips, and golden yellow ranunculus. Superb in a flowering pot, pair it with blue scillas for a seamless transition, and place it under Fatsia, Papyrus, Colocasia...