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Kirengeshoma (Yellow Wax Bells)

© Jojo Sigurgeirson

Kirengeshomas are handsome but relatively hard to find. The reason for their rarity is the relatively recent interest in them and their difficulty to grow from seed, making mass-production of them difficult. If you can get your hands on one, you will probably find it expensive, but I can assure you, they are well worth it.

They are bushy late-bloomers, prized by gardeners for their interesting and dramatic effects in shade gardens. Given moist, fertile soil in shade or semi-shade, they can grow to as much as 6 feet and wide. In late-summer, clusters of nodding yellow bells appear at the ends of the branches. In fall, seeds are formed within intersting 3-pronged seed capsules.

The Species
Kirengeshoma palmata forms a herbaceous mound of large, light green maple-like leaves, and yellow flared, funnel-shaped flowers that face downwards in late-summer. The flowers are formed at the ends of each stem and in very dense mature mounds, the stems reach a great height, unlike the specimens pictured at right. In most mature clumps I have seen, there are few flowers below the 3 foot level.

Kirengoshoma koreana is more difficult to find, and bears flowers of a paler yellow. The blooms are more widely flared and face upwards. They are not that different from the above.

How to grow
Plant kirengeshomas in moist, rich soil. They prefer woodsy soil, or soil that is high in organic content, slightly on the acid side. They should be grown in light, dappled or partial shade, and if placed in shade too dark, will not bloom well.

Good companions
Kirengeshomas grow well and look nice with...

• Tall ferns
• Big hostas
• Primulas that grow fairly tall such as P. julianae, P. japonica and P. sikkamensis (the could be found growing together in nature)
• Many other shade perennials too numerous to mention

Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
While Kirengeshomas are very hardy they will require winter cover such as mulch or deep snow in the coldest areas. If given a winter too short or mild, such as that provided in zones 9 and above, they may grow tired -- their dormant period is not that long, but it is very important to them.

How to increase
Kirengeshomas are easily divided in early spring, just as the shoots are beginning to show. You can also divide in late fall, but this is not recommended in cold climate areas.

They are very difficult to grow from seeds, and often wither in transplanting.

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