Kirengeshoma spp.
yellow waxbells
Overview
Kirengeshoma is a genus of one or two herbaceous perennials in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to the woodlands of Japan and Korea. The plants form upright, arching clumps 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) tall and 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) wide on dark, purplish stems. The large leaves are broad and palmately lobed, somewhat maple-like, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) across, giving a leafy, mounded shape through the growing season. In late summer and autumn the plants carry nodding, pale yellow flowers with thick, waxy, slightly flared petals about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, borne in loose clusters on the upper stems. The flowers open slowly and never spread fully, keeping a shuttlecock shape. In the wild the genus grows in moist, shaded mountain woodland on acidic, humus-rich soil. Plants need shade, steady moisture, and shelter from wind and afternoon sun, and the leaf margins scorch in dry or exposed sites. K. koreana is more upright with more open flowers than the arching K. palmata.
Native Range
Kirengeshoma spp. is native to the mountain woodlands of Japan and Korea, where it grows in moist, shaded ravines and on forest slopes in acidic, humus-rich soil.Suggested Uses
Kirengeshoma spp. is grown in shaded and woodland gardens, on the north side of buildings, and beside ponds and streams, where its foliage and late flowers extend interest. It combines with ferns, hostas, and other moisture-loving shade plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
Kirengeshoma spp. flowers in late summer and autumn, generally August through October, a season when few shade perennials bloom. The pale yellow, waxy flowers nod on the upper stems and open only partway. Cool, moist conditions extend the bloom, while heat and drought cut it short.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
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
Grow Kirengeshoma spp. in part to full shade on moist, acidic, humus-rich soil that stays evenly damp. It needs shelter from wind and hot afternoon sun, which scorch the leaf edges, and is intolerant of dry soil, browning quickly in drought. Water through dry spells and mulch with leaf mold to keep roots cool. Feeding is rarely needed in woodland soil. The plant emerges late in spring, so its position is marked to avoid disturbance. Established clumps are hardy to about USDA zone 5.Pruning
Kirengeshoma spp. needs little pruning. Cut the stems to the ground in late autumn after they die back, and divide established clumps in spring, though plants are slow to re-establish after division. Remove scorched leaves to keep the clump tidy.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons