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Overview
Kirengeshoma palmata is yellow waxbells, a deciduous perennial growing 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) tall and wide. Nodding shuttle-shaped soft waxy clear yellow flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) with thick petals that do not fully open in late summer to fall (August-October) — the waxy texture and the shuttle shape give the common name 'waxbells.' Large palmately lobed (maple-like) medium to dark green opposite leaves 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) across on dark purplish-black stems — the dark stem color contrasts with the green foliage. In the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). The yellow flower color in late summer shade is unusual — most shade perennials flowering at this season produce blue, white, or pink flowers. The Korean population (K. palmata var. koreana) has flowers that open more widely than the Japanese form. Native to mountain forests of Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) and Korea, growing in moist acidic woodland understory. Acidic humus-rich moist soil (pH 5.0-6.5). Intolerant of drought and alkaline conditions — the leaf margins brown and crisp in dry air or dry soil. Slow to establish: 3-4 years to reach full size. Leave the standing stems through winter for crown protection — cut to the ground in early spring. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Partial shade to full shade. Zones 5-8. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
Native to Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) and Korea, growing in moist acidic mountain forest understory.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in shade borders and woodland gardens in zones 5-8. The yellow late-season shade bloom is unusual among perennials. The dark stems and the maple-like foliage provide structural interest from spring through fall. Acidic moist soil. Intolerant of drought. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Late summer to fall (August-October), lasting 4-5 weeks. Nodding shuttle-shaped waxy yellow flowers. The flowers do not fully open (the thick petals remain partially closed). The Korean form (var. koreana) opens more widely.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft waxy clear yellow, pendant shuttle-shaped (not fully opening), 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), with thick waxy petalsFoliage Description
Medium to dark green, large palmately lobed (resembling a maple leaf), opposite, 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) across; on dark purplish-black stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade to full shade. Acidic humus-rich moist soil pH 5.0-6.5. Intolerant of drought and alkaline conditions — leaf margins brown in dry soil or air. Slow to establish (3-4 years). Leave stems standing through winter for crown protection. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 5-8.Pruning
Leave stems standing through winter — they protect the crown from frost heaving. Cut to the ground in early spring (March) before new growth. No other pruning needed.Pruning Schedule
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early spring