Disporopsis aspersa

Disporopsis Ruscaceae

 A seriously underrated woodland perennial that seems to have been overlooked simply because it is too well behaved to demand attention. A member of the Asparagaceae, it forms spreading clumps of arching stems clothed in handsome, glossy green leaves, with small, pendent, creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers tucked beneath the foliage in spring. The flowers are followed by dark berries, adding a little extra interest later in the season.

Native to China and northern Vietnam, it occurs in woodland and forest habitats, particularly in shaded, humid environments. In cultivation it makes an excellent groundcover for the woodland garden, where its evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage provides useful structure.

Grow Disporopsis aspersa in partial to full shade, preferably in fertile, humus-rich soil that remains reasonably moist but drains freely. It appreciates the cool root-run of woodland conditions and is particularly good beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. Once established it is remarkably undemanding, provided it is not subjected to prolonged drought or waterlogging.

A plant for the collector who appreciates subtlety: not flashy, not fussy, and quite content to quietly become better every year.

Flowering: April–May
Hardiness: H5, approximately –15 to –10°C
Height: 40–60cm
Spread: 50–80cm, eventually wider
Distribution: China and northern Vietnam
Growing conditions: Partial to full shade; fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil