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Disporopsis spp.
evergreen Solomon's seal
Overview
Disporopsis is a genus of about nine species of evergreen, rhizomatous perennials in the family Asparagaceae, native to shaded forests of China, Vietnam, and neighbouring parts of East and Southeast Asia. Arching, often glossy stems rise 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) from a jointed underground rhizome, carrying alternate, lance-shaped to oval leathery leaves along their length. Small bell- or urn-shaped flowers, white to greenish-white and sometimes marked with purple, hang singly or in pairs from the leaf axils in late spring and summer, and several species carry a light scent. Rounded berries that ripen blue-black follow. The genus closely resembles the deciduous Solomon's seals (Polygonatum) but keeps its foliage through the year in mild climates. Plants spread slowly into clumps by rhizome and grow in cool, moist, humus-rich shade, declining in dry or sun-baked sites.
Native Range
Disporopsis is native to East and Southeast Asia, from China and Taiwan through Vietnam and neighbouring countries. Plants grow in moist, shaded broadleaf and mixed forest, often on slopes and along streams.Suggested Uses
Grown as evergreen ground cover and edging in woodland and shade gardens, along shaded paths, and in containers in cool shade. The arching evergreen stems suit underplanting beneath trees and shrubs with ferns and hostas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring and summer, when small white to greenish bell- or urn-shaped flowers hang beneath the arching stems. Several species are lightly scented, the fragrance strongest near the flowers. Blue-black berries ripen later, from late summer into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to greenish-whiteFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 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
Disporopsis grows in part to full shade in cool, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, matching its woodland origins. Plants need steady moisture and shelter from hot sun and drying wind, which scorch the leaves. The evergreen foliage persists through mild winters but is damaged by hard frost, recovering from the rhizome in spring. Plants spread slowly into clumps and are long-lived once settled. The genus is cold-hardy through about USDA zones 6 to 9, with mulch helping the foliage and roots in colder gardens. Little feeding is needed in rich woodland soil.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed beyond removing frost-damaged or tatty stems in spring as new growth appears. Spent stems and old foliage can be cut to the base where they decline. Clumps are lifted and divided in spring where increase is wanted.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