Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Kirengeshoma palmata
yellow wax-bells
Graceful, unusual, and wonderfully late to the party, Kirengeshoma palmata is one of those quietly captivating perennials that rewards the observant gardener. Known as yellow wax-bells, Kirengeshoma palmata forms an elegant clump of handsome, palmately lobed foliage which creates a lush, architectural presence in the shade garden long before the flowers appear. By late summer, dark maroon stems rise above the foliage carrying loose panicles of nodding, creamy-yellow bells. Each flower of Kirengeshoma palmata is thick and slightly waxy in texture, hanging delicately yet confidently, like tiny lanterns gently suspended beneath the leaves. At up to 3.5cm long, the blooms are surprisingly substantial and bring a refined glow to woodland plantings.
Perfect for moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade, Kirengeshoma palmata thrives where many flowering perennials quietly retreat. Its composed habit gradually forms a generous clump reaching around 1.2m, lending height and poise to shaded borders. Kirengeshoma palmata pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas and other woodland favourites, the maroon stems providing a subtle contrast against its fresh green foliage. As summer softens into early autumn, Kirengeshoma palmata becomes a true talking point, offering colour and structure when much of the shade garden is winding down. For gardeners who appreciate plants with character and quiet elegance, Kirengeshoma palmata is an especially rewarding discovery.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Kirengeshoma palmata
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Established height
- 50cm-1m
- Established spread
- 50cm-1m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 9 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Loam-based compost
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Meadows
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.