Ypsilandra kansuensis

Gansu Ypsilandra Melanthiaceae

A wonderfully understated woodland plant, Ypsilandra kansuensis forms neat evergreen rosettes of very narrow, lanceolate leaves, from which arise short, densely scaly flowering stems. In spring these carry small racemes of white flowers, delicately flushed purple at the base and set off by bluish anthers—a rather lovely combination for something that spends most of the year looking remarkably restrained. 

The species was described from Gansu, China, and is distinguished within Ypsilandra by its unusually narrow leaves and a flowering scape densely clothed in overlapping scale-like bracts. It flowers in March–April, with capsules ripening into May and June. 

An excellent choice for cool, moist woodland or shaded, humus-rich soil, where its evergreen foliage provides useful winter structure. It remains compact but gradually forms a respectable clump—proof that botanical elegance doesn’t require botanical bulk.

Height: 15–30cm | Spread: 20–30cm
Flowering: March–April | Foliage: Evergreen
Hardiness: H5 (-15 to -10°C)