© liangfern, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Beesia spp.
beesia
Overview
Beesia 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons