Upright wild ginger (Saruma henryi) sah-ROO-mah HEN-ree-eye 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.

Overview

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 Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Poisonous, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Perennials