Heloniopsis orientalis var. flavida 'Snow White'

Heloniopsis Melanthiaceae

Heloniopsis ‘Snow White’ is a choice little Japanese woodland perennial for anyone who appreciates plants that do their best work when much of the garden is still deciding whether spring has properly arrived. It forms a neat, evergreen rosette of glossy, strap-shaped, deep-green leaves, from which arise short stems bearing clusters of pristine white, starry flowers. The flowers are carried above the foliage in late winter and early spring, making this a particularly useful plant for shady borders, woodland gardens and the front of a cool, humus-rich planting.

The name suggests a selected white-flowered form of Heloniopsis orientalis, a species native to Japan and neighbouring parts of eastern Asia. It prefers moist, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil in partial to full shade, and should not be allowed to become excessively dry in summer. A choice plant for the collector of Japanese woodland flora.

Height: 20–30 cm
Spread: 20–30 cm
Flowering: March–April
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Position: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained