Uvularia grandiflora in Australia

Uvularia are members of the Liliaceae family. The Liliaceae family is quite large, covering a wide diversity of plants.

In Nature, we find Uvularia grandiflora growing in a large range of habitats. From Quebec to North Dakota, and as far south as Georgia and even in Oklahoma. The Genus is closely related to Disporum, Tricyrtus and Polygonatum.

Uvularia grandiflora which is clump forming when happy, is found only in the mountains and is usually confined to calcareous or limestone soils. Remembering this is the key to successful growing, I feel.

Here in Australia, it has long been grown in cooler gardens under the name of Wood Merrybells. As they flower here in early spring, they are often planted under deciduous trees where their short stems which are clothed with green leaves and holding several bright primrose yellow flowers are seen to best effect. Dappled sun highlighting the unusual clear colour is never forgotten. There is something magic in Spring light we feel. For as much as it touches the soil's awaking with the locked promise of plantings, it also helps invigorate jaded gardeners like me.

In the half Spring light of today I wonder how the American Indians who historically used Uvularia grandiflora topically as a root tea wash or as a poultice made from the upper plant for general aches and pains and sore muscles; first chanced on this discovery? Sitting here it is easy to muse off, sorry about that.

So, from it's common name we can safely deduce that the best growing environment will be partial shade. The colder your climate the more direct sting of the sun; shall be tolerated by this charming woodlander. Deep rich soils, around the neutral mark or slightly higher, kept damp over the growing period will suit best. Remember to add a little lime to your mix if you are very acid.

My soils as regular readers will know are somewhat on the acid side. That is a low PH. Sometimes I forget my yearly ritual of liming and my poor clumps do suffer, diminishing in number.

A point of trivia, the botanical name Uvula'-ria comes from the resemblance of the flower to the uvula gland in the back of the human throat.

So, at a glace we have: