Kirengeshoma palmata, yellow waxbells
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Perennials

Kirengeshoma palmata

yellow waxbells

HydrangeaceaeJapan and Korea (mountain forests)

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Width3-4 feet (90-120 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow

Overview

A clump-forming, late-season perennial in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to the mountain woodlands of Japan and Korea. Plants form upright, arching clumps 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) tall and 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) wide of large, maple-like, palmately lobed leaves 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across on dark purplish-black stems. The bold foliage creates an exceptional tropical effect in shaded settings. From late summer to early fall, slender arching stems bear loose clusters of nodding, narrowly bell-shaped to tubular flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long in soft, waxy, clear yellow — a rare flower color in shade plants. The petals are thick and waxy in texture, giving flowers a sculptural quality. Flowers open slowly from the base of each cluster upward over 3–4 weeks. Kirengeshoma is one of very few shade perennials that blooms reliably in late summer and early fall with yellow flowers. Hardy in zones 5–8; not heat-tolerant in zones 8–9 without afternoon shade and consistent moisture.

Native Range

Native to the cool, moist mountain forests of Japan and Korea, growing in humus-rich, acidic, well-drained soils in deep to partial shade at moderate to high elevations. In Japan, it is found primarily on Shikoku and Kyushu islands in beech and oak forest understories.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen or focal point in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and stream-side plantings at 36–48 inch (90–120 cm) spacing. One of the most valuable late-season shade perennials available. Effective combined with ferns, hostas, and Tricyrtis (toad lilies) for a late-season woodland display.

How to Identify

Identified by large, maple-like palmately lobed leaves on dark purplish-black stems and nodding, narrowly bell-shaped, waxy yellow flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long in loose, arching clusters in late summer to fall. The combination of dark stems, bold lobed foliage, and waxy nodding yellow flowers is unique among shade perennials.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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SummerFall
Blooms late August through October in zones 5–7. The flowering display extends 3–5 weeks as buds open progressively along the stems. In zones 8–9, bloom is often cut short by heat; in zone 5, early frosts may interrupt bloom — site in a sheltered location to maximize the season.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

soft waxy clear yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green, large palmately lobed on dark purplish-black stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full 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 Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loampeat
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0–6.5. Requires reliable summer moisture — plants wilt and decline in dry soil. Avoid hot, dry positions and alkaline soil. Apply a 3–4 inch (8–10 cm) layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool. In zone 5, provide winter protection with a mulch layer over the crown. Do not cut back in fall — leave stems standing to protect the crown. Fertilize with an acid-forming slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Plants establish slowly but are long-lived and improve in vigor and bloom over many years.

Pruning

Do not cut stems back in fall — they provide winter protection for the crown. Cut all stems to ground level in early spring before new growth emerges. Plants rarely need division; established clumps are long-lived. If division is required for propagation, divide in early spring with great care, ensuring each division retains adequate root mass. Plants resent disturbance.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic