Disporum viridescens

Disporum viridescens is a perennial in the Colchicaceae family. Gardeners know it as Asian fairy bells or green fairy-bells. Its native range spans the Russian Far East, northern China, and Korea. It also grows in northern and central Japan. This plant comes from temperate parts of Asia. Wild plants grow in forests, on grassy slopes, and in mountains. Chinese records place it from near sea level to 1,970 feet [600 metres].

The plant forms clumps and grows from rhizomes below ground. Its straight stems reach about 2.3 feet [0.7 metres] tall. The RHS gives a garden height range of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The green leaves have a slight sheen and a lance shape. Their veins form grooves in the leaf surface. The foliage falls at the end of the growing season.

Small flowers hang from the stems in pairs or clusters. Each has a star shape and a pale green-white colour. They open in late spring and early summer. Chicago Botanic Garden lists the bloom season as May to June. Black berries follow the flowers and ripen in autumn. The leaves, flowers, and fruit give the plant interest across several seasons.

Choose a cool spot with some shade and shelter. The RHS favours partial shade, though Chicago also lists full sun. A woodland edge with dappled light suits its stated needs. PFAF does not recommend deep shade. The soil should hold moisture but let excess water drain. Additions of humus suit its growing needs. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all fall within its range. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6. Chicago lists USDA zones 5–8.

Use it in beds, borders, courtyard gardens, or containers. It also fits cottage gardens and woodland planting. Remove spent stems before fresh shoots appear in spring. Grow new plants from seed or divide established clumps. Slugs and snails may damage the young shoots. Vine weevil can also cause trouble, though disease is rarely reported. PFAF records cooked leaves as edible, with a low food-use rating. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish pet safety. The evidence gives no food use for the berries. PFAF records no known medicinal or other uses. It also reports no weed potential.