Disporum cantoniense aka Chinese Fairy Bells

Disporum cantoniense lives for many years. Its common name is Canton fairy bells. It belongs to the Colchicaceae family. Its native range starts in the Himalaya. It reaches southern China and western Malesia. It grows in forests, thickets, and cool, shaded sites. Gardeners grow it for its leaves, flowers, and autumn fruit. It suits gardens in woods, shaded borders, and pots.

The plant forms clumps from thick, creeping stems below ground. These stems are called rhizomes. Above ground, stems stand straight or arch and look like bamboo. Garden sources give heights of 1.6–5 feet [0.5–1.52 metres]. Missouri Botanical Garden lists a usual range of 3–5 feet [0.91–1.52 metres]. RHS gives a smaller range of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Garden spread can reach about 2 feet [0.61 metres]. Long, narrow leaves line the stems and fall in autumn. Rhizomes can spread the clump into a colony over time. Sources differ on how fast it spreads.

Flowers hang in small groups near the stem tips. They can look like small bells or tubes. Sources give flower colours as white, cream, greenish-yellow, and reddish. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer. Missouri Botanical Garden gives June to July as the bloom time. Berries form after the flowers and gain colour in autumn. Sources say the fruits are dark red or purple-black. Both flowers and berries add interest to shaded beds.

Grow it in cool shade with shelter and humus-rich soil. It grows best in part shade but also takes deeper shade. Keep the soil moist, but let extra water drain away. RHS lists loam as a soil choice. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Sources differ on how much cold the plant can take. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA zones 4–9. Chicago Botanic Garden gives zones 5–9. RHS rates it H3. RHS advises dry mulch in winter. It also advises greenhouse care where frost poses a threat. Cut old stems back in late winter. Divide clumps in spring, or sow seed in autumn.

The cited accounts report few serious pest and disease problems. Slugs, vine weevil, and fungal leaf spots may cause harm. Missouri Botanical Garden does not class its spread as invasive. Reports record the use of tender leaves and young shoots as vegetables. People cook these parts before eating them. Reports also record root juice as a treatment for fevers. This past use does not prove a medical benefit. The sources report no known hazards. But they do not show that the plant is safe for pets.