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Disporum uniflorum

yellow fairybells

Colchicaceae

China, Korea, Japan (moist shaded mountain forests)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Disporum uniflorum is an upright to arching, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial reaching 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm). This East Asian species produces the largest and most conspicuous flowers of the fairybells—pendant, tubular-bell-shaped flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long in bright lemon-yellow, hanging singly or in pairs at the branch tips in April–May. The specific epithet 'uniflorum' refers to the typically solitary flowers, though 2–3 per cluster also occur. The stems branch in the upper half, carrying alternate, ovate to lance-shaped, medium green leaves 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long with prominent parallel veins. Glossy black berries follow in fall. Growth rate is moderate, spreading slowly by rhizomes. The bright yellow flowers are substantially larger and more visible than those of D. hookeri or D. longistylum. Hardy to zone 5. Goes dormant in late fall.

Native Range

Disporum uniflorum is native to China, Korea, and Japan, in moist, shaded mountain forests and woodland margins.

Suggested Uses

Planted in shade gardens and woodland borders at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing. The bright yellow flowers are more visible than those of other fairybells and add spring color to shade. The glossy black berries provide fall interest. Pair with ferns, hostas, and blue-flowered shade perennials for color contrast. Functions in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L). Not suitable for full sun, dry soils, or formal plantings.

How to Identify

Distinguished from D. hookeri by the bright lemon-yellow (versus creamy-white) flowers, the larger flower size (1–1.5 inches / 2.5–4 cm versus 0.5–0.75 inch / 1–2 cm), and the black (versus orange-red) berries. Distinguished from D. longistylum 'Night Heron' by the bright yellow (versus greenish-yellow) flowers, the green (versus dark chocolate-brown) stems, and the typically solitary (versus clustered) flower arrangement. Distinguished from Uvularia grandiflora by the branching stems and the broader, shorter leaves. The branching shade perennial with large, bright lemon-yellow pendant bells at branch tips is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'6"

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Pendant, tubular-bell-shaped flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long in bright lemon-yellow hang singly or in pairs at branch tips in April–May. Glossy black berries follow in September–October. Bloom duration is 2–3 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright lemon-yellow, pendant tubular-bell; glossy black berries

Foliage Description

Medium green, ovate to lance-shaped, prominent parallel veins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-4 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

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Consistent moisture. Hardy to zone 5. Spreads slowly by rhizomes. No serious pest or disease problems. Slugs can damage emerging growth.