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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 - 8Zone 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Colors
Flower Colors
yellow
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
yellow
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~5 weeksJ
F
M
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M
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A
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SummerFall
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
soft waxy clear yellowFoliage Description
medium to dark green, large palmately lobed on dark purplish-black stemsGrowing 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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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N
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early spring