OTHER CHOICE WOODLAND PERENNIALS
Achlys japonica Zones 4-8 #048-005
Rare Japanese perennial for cool shade and humus-rich soil, not too dry. Attractive lobed leaves form a carpet as the plant spreads by underground stems. Dense fuzzy spikes of white flowers appear above the leaves.
Aconitum carmichaelii f. album Zones 4-8 #021-026
Distinctive perennial from central Japan, blooming in early autumn, with pure white helmet-shaped flowers.
Aconitum japonicum Zones 4-8 #021-057
Distinctive perennial from northern Japan, blooming in early autumn, with clear medium blue helmet-shaped flowers. Valuable for its ease of cultivation and its rigid stems to 2' that do not flop when the plant is in bloom.
Aconitum japonicum var. hakonense Zones 4-8 #021-014
Distinctive perennial from central Japan, blooming in early autumn, with clear medium blue helmet-shaped flowers. Valuable for its ease of cultivation and its rigid stems to 2' that do not flop when the plant is in bloom.
Acorus gramineus Omogo Zones 5-9 #028-016
The Japanese sweet flag is a very useful landscape plant in its many forms. This type is much taller than the normal Japanese sweet flag, to about 15" tall, but the leaves are still narrow and elegant. It likes wet to moist soil, and will grow in shallow water. If the soil is moist, it can grow in full sun and does very well in light to moderate shade.
Adonis amurensis Zones 4-7 #021-059
A favorite Japanese symbol of the new year, it often blooms as early as January here in mid-Zone 6, closing its gorgeous buttery yellow flowers on cold or cloudy days to reappear with the sun. Plant in rich moist well-drained loam in deciduous shade.
Adonis amurensis 'Fukujukai' Zones 4-7 #021-023
A favorite Japanese symbol of the new year, it often blooms as early as January here in mid-Zone 6, closing its gorgeous buttery yellow flowers on cold or cloudy days to reappear with the sun. This is one of the earliest cultivars to bloom. Plant in rich moist well-drained loam in deciduous shade.
Adonis amurensis 'Chichibu Beni' Zones 4-7 #021-022
Rarely offering red-orange color selection. Plant in rich moist well-drained loam in deciduous shade. Offering number limited.
Ajuga reptans 'Planet Zoak' Zones 5-9 #030-010
The ground cover from outer space, thought to have landed on a meteorite from the plant Zork. This Japanese discovery has upright spoon-shaped leaves that are variously wrinkled and congested, with white, grayish and pink variegation. Sure to delight or offend your gardening friends.
Alectrurus yedoensis var. platypetalus Zones 6-8 #057-29
White small flowers in summer.
Allium schoenoprasum var. orientale Zones 5-8 #057-032
Also known as Allium maximowiczii. This is an alpine allium species from the mountains of central Japan. It grows about a foot tall, with pink button flowers on stiff stems in August. Light shade to sun in a gritty, well-drained soil. Easy.
Alpinia japonica 'Hanafubuki' Zones 7-11 #032-002
A new variegated form of an evergreen woodland perennial from southern Japan. The upright glossy green leaves are heavily striped and splashed with white, contrasting with the luscious pink flowers in late spring to early summer. Moist rich soil in shade, or as a pot plant in the North. This is one of the hardiest alpinias.
Anemonopsis macrophylla Zones 4-8 #021-005
One of the aristocrats of the shade garden. Handsome foliage resembles Cimicifuga, topped in late summer by wiry stems bearing pendant pink flowers, to 3 feet tall. Hard to find.
Astilbe simplicifolia Zones 6-8 #050-015
Japanese native miniature astilbe. Cute and good for rock gardens.
Cacalia delphinifolia Zones 4-8 #017-005
Another under-appreciated shade plant from Japan with beautiful shiny maple-shaped leaves. The mound of foliage is topped by a 3' tower of frizzy white flowers in August. Nice contrast with hostas and ferns.
Cardiocrinum cordatum Zones 6-9 #057-002
Giant woodland lily from Japan with bold heart-shaped leaves to 3' tall. Showy white flowers above the leaves in late summer. Rich, moist soil, woodland conditions. Main bulb dies after bloom, leaving offsets for future bloom.
Caryopteris divaricata 'Pink Butterfly' Zones 6-9 #023-001
The species form of this plant is a beautiful summer-blooming perennial for sun or light shade, growing to about 5 feet tall, with blue flowers. This selection from Japan was selected at Kyushu Sanso En for its soft pink flowers. Needs good drainage to survive the winter.
Caryopteris divaricata 'Pink Illumination' Zones 6-9 #023-002
The species form of this plant is a beautiful summer-blooming perennial for sun or light shade, growing to about 5 feet tall, with blue flowers. This selection from Japan was selected at Kyushu Sanso En for its soft pink flowers and cream splashed variegated foliage. Needs good drainage to survive the winter.
Caryopteris divaricata 'Noshoku' Zones 6-9 #023-003
The species form of this plant is a beautiful summer-blooming perennial for sun or light shade, growing to about 5 feet tall, with blue flowers. This selection from Japan was selected at Kyushu Sanso En for its soft pink flowers and cream splashed variegated foliage. Needs good drainage to survive the winter.
Caulophyllum robustum Zones 4-8 #048-007
Japanese counterpart of our native blue cohosh, making a 2' mound of Thalictrum-like foliage. The small greenish-yellow flowers are not showy, but the clusters of blue fruits combined with yellow fall color of its leaves are beautiful.
Chionographis japonica Zones 6-9 #057-010
Shade-loving Japanese native with a rosette of evergreen leaves with rippled margins. Spikes of fuzzy white flowers appear in early summer. Well-drained sandy or humusy soil, not too dry. Good shaded rock garden plant.
Chloranthus japonicus Zones 6-9 #034-001
Choice, rarely seen shade perennial with a showy spike of white bottlebrush flowers in spring. A 4-parted umbrella of foliage remains over the summer. .
Chloranthus japonicus'Aojiku' Zones 6-9 #034-002
Same as above, albino cultivar with fresh green stems. Very rare.
Chloranthus serratus Zones 5-9 #034-003
Similar to above, from Japan and China, with later-blooming flowers in a more slender spike, with two spikes per plant.
Clematis stans 'Festival' Zones 5-9 #021-038
This shrubby, semi-woody clematis has very small tubular blue/purple flowers, but in this new and very rare Japanese selection they are displayed against foliage that is liberally splashed with bright yellow. It is a very cheerful addition to the shade garden. Plant in well-drained soil with light shade or morning sun. Easy and durable.
Clethra barbinervis 'Takeda Nishiki' Zones 5-9 #441-001
Japanese native decidious tree/shrub with wite splashed variegation, found in Shikoku island by Mr. Takeda and his son. Variegated part turned to reddish-pink in early spring and autumn color. Vigorous and easy to grow.
Codonopsis lanceolata Zones 4-8 #016-005
Fascinating but rarely seen Northeast Asian perennial herbaceous vine in the bellflower family with large cream and purple bells in August. Like clematis, it wants its roots in the shade and top in the sun. Edible roots.
Coptis japonica var. dissecta Zones 5-8 #021-001
Diminutive evergreen woodland perennial with fern-like leaves and tiny white starry flowers on dark stems, in early spring. Unique small-scale non-invasive groundcover. Evergreen parsley for shade. Reddish pinwheels of seed pods add summer interest.
Coptis quinquefolia Zones 5-8 #021-002
Dwarf evergreen woodland perennial with ground cover habitat. White flower in early spring.
Deinanthe bifida Zones 4-8 #050-001
Handsome shade perennial related to hydrangea. Beautiful foliage plant with each leaf divided in two at the tip. Nodding white flowers in summer.
Dicentra peregrina Zones 4-8 #024-007
This famous Japanese alpine plant has lovely pink "bleeding heart" flowers. Requires perfect drainage in a scree or trough garden, but with moisture in the root zone, and bright light. Morning to mid-day sun is best in hot-summer climates; full sun in cool-summer climates.
Dicentra peregrina 'Alba' Zones 4-8 #024-010
This is the white-flowered variety of a famous Japanese alpine plant, normally with pink flowers. Requires perfect drainage in a scree or trough garden, but with moisture in the root zone, and bright light. Morning to mid-day sun is best in hot-summer climates; full sun in cool-summer climates.
Diphylleia grayi Zones 4-7 #048-009
Japanese woodland perennial with big umbrella-like leaves, related to Podophyllum. Pretty white flowers bloom above the leaves. Best in cool shade, rich, moist humusy soil, medium to heavy shade. Rarely offered. Blooming size.
Dysosma veitchii Zones 5b-8 #048-001
This Chinese mayapple is one of most exciting new shade perennials in years. Fuzzy umbrellas emerge with dark snakeskin markings, often on a red background, changing to patterned green. Flowers can be red, pink, or white. Also called P. delavayi
Epimedium sempervirens 'Creamsickle' Zones 5b-8 #047-003
Rare and unusual variegated epimedium, the most beautiful so far. The leaves are splashed with cream with orangy overtones. Very bold and stable variegation. The showy flowers are white. Foliage is semi-evergreen.
Erythronium japonicum Zones 4-8 #057-004
The East Asian dogtooth-violet has all the charm of our native species, plus a showy lavender-pink flower. Likes rich moist soil in deciduous shade. Large blooming size.
Eupatorium fortunei 'Alba' Zones 4-8 #017-010
Pure wite flower type Japanese Eupatrium. Very good contrast green stem and white flower.
Eupatorium fortunei Yellow Margine Zones 4-8 #017-012
Creamy yellow marginal variegation cultivar, sport from narrow marginal type recently. Variegation may wider in part shade and humus rich soil. Easy to grow and good for cut flowers, too. Fast spread by runners.
Geum japonicum 'Variegatum' Zones 4-8 #041-009
This yellow flower japanese native Geum is rarely in cultivation. Pure yellow flower bloom in late spring with withe splashed variegation. The color of variegation change autumn color pink and fade to white in summer. Rare.
Glaucidium palmatum Zones 4-8 #021-017
Star of the early spring garden, this famous Japanese woodlander unfolds its large silky pale purple-pink blossoms while most plants are still sleeping. Moist, well-drained soil in cool shade. Blooming size. Best in cool-summer areas.
Glaucidium palmatum (white flower form) Zones 4-8 #021-018
Rarelly offered white flower form selection. 4-6 years blooming sized seedling. Moist, well-drained soil in cool shade. Blooming size. Best in cool-summer areas. Native in decidious forest, so best to plant under the decidious trees. Do not dry out the dormant buds and roots while winter season.
Heloniopsis orientalis Zones 5-8 #057-011
Asian counterpart of our swamp pink (Helonias), but this is a rock garden plant with an evergreen rosette of leaves turning purple in winter. Does well in moist, well-drained soil in shade. Scapes of rose-purple flowers in spring. Good trough plant.
Hylomecon hylomeconoides Zones 6-8 #024-004
This endless blooming woodland perennial is the one of the best yellow flower shade plant. Each flower stalk has 2-4 yellow round flowers, and come up from spring to autumn. Require good drainage and feed a lot for the endless bloom.
Iris gracilipes Zones 5-8 #003-007
A charming woodland iris from Japan with grassy leaves and showy flowers in Spring. The wild type has pale purple flowers; we also offer white and a double purple selection. Great trough or rock garden subject or as a small-scale groundcover. Easy
Iris gracilipes White flower Zones 5-8 #003-001
Same as above, with pure white flower.
Isopyrum nipponicum Zones 6-8 #021-027
Elegant early spring blooming perennial for rich woodland soil in shade. The leaves are like a columbine or Thalictrum; the flowers are pale yellow, nodding above the leaves, with a contrasting brown tepal. Likes moist soil. Also known as Dichocarpum nipponicum.
Jeffersonia dubia Zones 4-8 #048-005
Famaous woodland rock garden plant from Korea, long cultivated in Japan. Easy in light shade in gritty or gravelly soil where it will form large clumps. Pretty up-facing light blue flowers in early spring are followed by attractive two-lobed leaves.
Keiskeia japonica Zones 5-9 #030-009
A tall woodland perennial for late summer bloom with showy spikes of white flowers on 2-3' stalks.
Kirengeshoma palmata Zones 4-8 #050-010
Essential perennial for structure and contrast in the shade garden. Bold and shrub-like, with gray-green maple-shaped leaves and pendant clusters of waxy pale yellow flowers in late summer.
Leucosceptrum japonicum Zones 5-9 #030-004
Japanese woodland perennial for early autumn bloom. Spikes of soft yellow flowers are held above matte-green leaves on stems about 2 feet tall. Light shade or morning sun.
Leucosceptrum japonicum 'Mountain Madness' Zones 5-9 #030-005
A wild and crazy variant of a choice fall blooming perennial. The yellow-splashed foliage harmonizes with the pale yellow flower spikes and adds interest when the plant is not in bloom. Woodsy soil in light to medium shade; not drought tolerant.
Lycoris sanguinea var. kiusiana Zones 6-9 #042-002
Neglected but beautiful August-blooming bulb from Japan with clusters of showy orange flowers, with longer more spidery tepals than sanguinea. Leaves appear in spring, disappear before bloom. Moist well-drained soil in shade or-sun.
Mitella stylosa var. makinoi Zones 6-9 #042-002
Evergreen Japanese woodland shade perennial with metalic silver/bronze color leaves.
Oxalis grifithii Double Flower Form Zones 6-9 #013-001
Japanese woodland Oxalis with green, rough-textured leaves and up-facing fully double white flowers. Easy in woodsy soil in shade.
Panax japonicus Zones 4-8 #008-001
Rare native Japanese ginseng, easily grown in humusy soil in shade. Flowers are not showy but the clusters of shiny, vivid red fruits are glorious, displayed high about the compound leaves from summer to early fall.
Platycrater arguta Zones 6-9 #439-012
Charming woodland semi-shrub in the hydrangea family to about 18" tall. In late summer clusters of nodding white flowers appear to brighten the shade garden.
Rabdosia longituba Zones 6-8 #030-013
This is an unaccountable neglected Japanese perennial with many virtures, for late fall bloom. Purple flowers are long and tubular, held by the hundreds in airy panicles on stems about 3' tall. One of the most remarkable perennials in the late fall garden. Good for cutting. Morning sun or light shade, good drainage.
Rabdosia longituba f. alba Zones 6-8 #030-014
This is an unaccountable neglected Japanese perennial with many virtures, for late fall bloom. This is the pure white-flowered form of the species, which has purple flowers that are long and tubular. They are held by the hundreds in airy panicles on stems about 3' tall. One of the most remarkable perennials in the late fall garden. Good for cutting. Morning sun or light shade, good drainage.
Rabdosia longituba 'Momokaze' Zones 6-8 #030-015
This is a selection of an unaccountable neglected Japanese perennial with many virtures, for late fall bloom. The species has deep purple flowers are long and tubular, held by the hundreds in airy panicles on stems about 3' tall. This new selection has pretty pink flowers. One of the most remarkable perennials in the late fall garden. Good for cutting. Morning sun or light shade, good drainage.
Sanguinaria canadensis 'Multiplex' Zones 4-8 #024-003
The gorgeous full-double form of our native bloodroot, long familiar to good gardeners, but seldom available. Easy in woodsy soil in light shade. Blooming size plants.
Shibateranthis pinnatifida Zones 4-8 #021-012
Also known as Eranthis pinnatifida, this is the Japanese relative of the Korean Shibaterantis stellata. This elegant species is a little more finely textured, but also with white flowers with dark stamens in early spring. Plant in well-drained humus rich soil in light to medium shade. Goes dormant in summer.
Smilacina japonica Zones 4-8 #057-045
Japanese counterpart to our native false Solomon's seal, with creamy terminal clusters of flowers in spring.
Syneilesis palmata Zones 4-8 #017-007
Woodland composite from Northeast Asia. I spring the new leaves are silky silvery umbrellas, a delight to see and touch. In summer, fuzzy white flowers bloom on tall stalks.
Tanakaea radicans Zones 6-8 #050-009
Creeping evergreen perennial for the rock garden or trough, native to China and Japan. Oval, leathery leaves form a mat at ground level, between and over rocks. Clusters of small white flowers bloom in late spring. Moist, well-drained soil in shade.
Tofieldia coccinea Zones 6-9 #057-053
Tufted grassy East Asian perennial, white flowers in June.
Tofieldia nuda var. furusei Zones 6-9 #057-006
Dwarf tufted Japanese perennial with starry white flowers in July..
Trypterospermum japonicum Zones 6-9 #059-001
Evergreen climing plants with pale purple flower and red fruit.
Typhonium divaricatum Zones 7-9 #028-003
Aroid from Ryukyu Island, very large leaves, large red/purple flowers.
Veratrum maackii var. japonicum Zones 4-8 #057-021
Japanese perennial that like rich moist soil and shade., growing to 2-3' tall. The near black flowers are unique in the shade garden.
