Chloranthus spp.

Chloranthaceae Eastern and southeastern Asia

Deer Resistant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

HardinessZones 6–9

Overview

Chloranthus spp. is a genus of about thirteen aromatic perennials and subshrubs in the ancient family Chloranthaceae, distributed through eastern and southeastern Asia. Plants are woodland species with jointed, somewhat fleshy stems 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall, bearing glossy, toothed, often whorled leaves clustered toward the stem tips. The small flowers lack petals and sepals, consisting mainly of white stamens arranged along slender terminal spikes that appear in spring and summer; in some species, such as C. spicatus, the flowers are strongly fragrant and have been used to scent tea. Plants spread slowly by short rhizomes to form low colonies in shaded, humus-rich ground. C. japonicus and C. fortunei are grown as shade perennials, while C. spicatus is grown in warm climates for its scent. Chloranthaceae is an early-diverging lineage among the flowering plants. One limitation is the genus's preference for constant moisture and shade: plants scorch and decline in dry or sunny positions. Hardiness varies, with woodland species generally suited to zones 6-9 and the tender C. spicatus only to frost-free areas.

Native Range

Chloranthus spp. is native to eastern and southeastern Asia, from India and southern China through Korea, Japan, and into Malesia. Species grow in moist, shaded forest, along streams, and in ravines on humus-rich soils.

Suggested Uses

Used in shaded and woodland borders, beside ponds and streams, and among ferns and other shade perennials. The fragrant C. spicatus is grown in containers and conservatories in cool climates. Suited to moist, sheltered positions in dappled light.

How to Identify

Identify Chloranthus spp. by its jointed, slightly swollen stem nodes and glossy, toothed leaves clustered or whorled near the stem tips. The flowers lack both petals and sepals, appearing as slender spikes of small white stamens above the foliage. Crushed leaves and stems are aromatic, and in C. spicatus the tiny flowers carry a strong sweet scent.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs in spring and early summer, roughly April to June for the hardy woodland species. The petalless white spikes last two to three weeks above the foliage. C. spicatus can flower over a longer period in warm, frost-free climates.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy 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

Grow Chloranthus spp. in part to full shade in cool, moist, humus-rich soil that drains freely. Steady moisture is needed through the growing season, as the foliage scorches in dry soil or direct sun. An annual mulch of leaf mold supports the shallow rhizomes and conserves moisture. Hardy species tolerate winter cold once established, while C. spicatus needs frost-free conditions or container culture brought under cover. Plants need little feeding. Slugs and snails can damage soft new growth in spring.

Pruning

No routine pruning is required. Dead stems can be cut back to the ground in late autumn or early spring as new shoots emerge. Removing spent flower spikes neatens the plant but is not necessary for health.

Pruning Schedule

early springfall