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Saruma henryi (Upright wild ginger)

Saruma henryi Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Saruma henryi sah-ROO-mah HEN-ree-eye Common Name: Upright wild ginger Genus: Saruma
Saruma henryi is as sublime as it is uncommon. Its velvety leaves and distinctively shaped, soft yellow flowers make it a superb specimen in a shady border, where it can contrast with more finely textured plants.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Saruma bears stems and leaves that are densely pubescent, giving the plant an overall silvery felted look early in the season. Its one-inch, pale yellow flowers have three petals and are borne at the tips of each stem in spring and intermittently through late summer. It forms an upright perennial, 2 feet high by 2.5 feet wide, with heart-shaped leaves that fan out horizontally in all directions. This Chinese native is choice for the woodland garden as a single specimen or in drifts.
 Care: Grow in partial to full shade in moist or slightly dry, well-drained soil; tolerates both alkaline and acid soils.
 Propagation: Sow seed while fresh. Propagates easily by tissure culture.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Part Shade Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Yellow Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Poisonous, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style , Shade, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest , Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type ,Perennials

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