Disporum aff. cantoniense 'Dzukou'

Pink Fairy Bells Colchicaceae

A particularly elegant and rather mysterious Disporum, collected by Edulis in 2009 from the Dzukou Valley region of north-eastern India. It forms upright, bamboo-like stems clothed in handsome, glossy green leaves, from which hang clusters of delicate pinkish-purple bells in late spring. The flowers are followed by dark berries, adding a further season of interest. There is something especially appealing about its combination of exotic appearance and quiet woodland character — it looks as though it ought to be far more difficult than it actually is.

We grow it as Disporum aff. cantoniense, reflecting the fact that its precise identity has not been conclusively resolved. The collection is associated with Dzukou Valley, a high-altitude valley on the border of Nagaland and Manipur, an area renowned for its exceptionally rich flora. Rather than being a named horticultural selection, ‘Dzukou’ is essentially a collection name, preserving the geographical provenance of this particular plant.

Best grown in partial shade in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, where it gradually forms a handsome colony. It is particularly effective among ferns, Podophyllum, Polygonatum and other woodland plants, with the pendent flowers best appreciated at close quarters. A choice plant for the collector who prefers a little geographical mystery with their woodland gardening.

Collection: Edulis, 2009 — Dzukou Valley, north-eastern India.
Distribution: Dzukou Valley region, Nagaland/Manipur, India; affinity with Disporum cantoniense.
Flowering: May–June
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Height: 100–150 cm
Spread: 50–100 cm