Beesia spp.

beesia

Ranunculaceae China and the eastern Himalaya

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

HardinessZones 6–9

Overview

Beesia spp. is a small genus of evergreen, clump-forming perennials in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native to the woodlands of China and the eastern Himalaya. Plants form low rosettes of long-stalked basal leaves 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. The leaves are glossy, leathery, and heart- to arrow-shaped, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, deep green with paler veining, and in B. deltophylla marked with darker patterning when young. Slender, wiry flower stems rise above the foliage to 12-24 inches (30-60 cm), carrying narrow spikes of small white flowers about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across in late spring and summer. The petals are inconspicuous, and the white comes mainly from the sepals. Foliage stays evergreen in mild climates and through winter under snow cover. Plants spread slowly by short rhizomes to form weed-suppressing patches. Growth is slow, and plants take two to three years to fill their space; foliage scorches in too much sun or dry soil.

Native Range

Native to montane and subtropical forests of China, especially the southwest, and the eastern Himalaya including parts of Myanmar. Plants grow in moist, shaded broadleaf and mixed forest, along streams and on humus-rich slopes, at middle to high elevations.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a shade groundcover and edging in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and beside paths and water features, spaced 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) apart. The glossy evergreen leaves give winter cover in mild climates, and plants combine with ferns, hostas, and other shade perennials. Plants suit moist, shaded sites and are unsuited to hot, dry, or sunny positions.

How to Identify

Recognized by a low clump of glossy, leathery, heart- to arrow-shaped basal leaves with a network of pale veins, evergreen in mild winters. Thin, upright stems carry narrow spikes of small white flowers held above the foliage. B. deltophylla has more triangular leaves often marked with dark veining when young, while B. calthifolia has rounder, more heart-shaped leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs from late spring into summer, mainly May to July, with slender white flower spikes rising above the leaves. Bloom on a clump lasts about 3-5 weeks. The white display comes from the sepals, as the true petals are tiny.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

deep green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil and scorch in direct sun or dry ground. Steady moisture suits them, especially in their first seasons and during summer heat, and a mulch of leaf mould holds moisture and feeds the soil. Plants are hardy to about -10 F (-23 C), staying evergreen in mild winters and semi-evergreen where cold and wind burn the leaves. Slugs and snails may graze the new growth in spring. Few other pests trouble them. Old or frost-burned leaves can be removed in early spring as fresh foliage emerges.

Pruning

Remove winter-damaged or tattered leaves in early spring before new growth expands. Spent flower spikes can be cut off after bloom or left to set seed. No other routine pruning is needed, as plants keep a low, tidy clump.

Pruning Schedule

early spring