Disporopsis plants and species
Disporopsis is a useful evergreen perennial for shaded areas of the garden. It is grown for its neat clumping habit, arching stems and bell-shaped flowers that appear in spring. Often described as an evergreen form of Solomon’s seal, it is well suited to woodland gardens and shaded borders.
These plants spread slowly and form attractive patches of glossy foliage. With good moisture and humus-rich soil, they are reliable performers and provide year-round interest.
Description
Disporopsis species are low-growing evergreen perennials that rise from rhizomes. The foliage is glossy and arranged along arching stems. Most varieties reach between 20 and 40 cm in height.
Flowers are small, white to creamy white, and hang from the leaf axils in spring and early summer. Some species produce small dark berries after flowering. Plants maintain a fresh appearance through most of the year with minimal care.
Disporopsis do look a little like an evergreen Solomons Seal, so D. pernyii earns the common name of ‘Blushing Solomons Seal’. Most species have arching stems and white flowers. They grow well in dappled shade and will over time spread to form a large clump in these conditions.
Care and Growing Conditions
Disporopsis grow best in shaded to partly shaded positions. They prefer rich, well-drained soils with good moisture levels.
All Disporpopsis are woodland plants, they are evergreen and are very useful for shaded positions.
Simply plant in shade, water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser and mulch to maintain a cool moist root run.
- Dappled shade to slightly deeper shade.
- Humus rich soil
- Frost tolerant – Yes
Disporopsis Species and Varieties
A number of species are grown in gardens, each offering similar evergreen appeal with slight differences in form.
Disporopsis Arisanensis
Low growing evergreen species with white flowers that have a deep purple inside. Flowers are followed by dark purple berries.
Disporopsis aspersa
A clump-forming species to around 30–40 cm. Produces speckled, bell-shaped flowers followed by dark berries. Suited to shaded borders and woodland gardens.
Disporopsis longifolia
White flowers with a touch of green on the petal tips. Glossy dark folage and will reach around 30 cm in height.
Disporopsis pernyi
A taller species with arching stems and clusters of white flowers in spring. Reliable in shaded positions with moisture-retentive soil. Sometimes called evergreen Solomen’s Seal. This is a taller growing species with white flowers blushed with pink. Arching stems to around 40 cm in height. A named cultivar D .pernyii ‘Bill Baker’ can be found in the Botanical Gardena in Melbourne in the South China collection.
Disporopsis undulata
A compact form with wavy-edged leaves and creamy white flowers. Useful for smaller gardens or container growing.
Landscaping Uses
Disporopsis is ideal for shaded gardens where many perennials struggle. It can be grown beneath trees and shrubs, used as an evergreen groundcover, or planted along shaded paths and borders.
It combines well with ferns, hostas and other shade-loving perennials. Its evergreen foliage adds structure to woodland plantings and provides a soft, arching form.
Propagation
Plants are usually propagated by division. This is best carried out in early spring or autumn. Rhizomes can be divided into smaller clumps and replanted at the same depth.
Great for woodland situations and the evergreen nature is very handy.
Availability
Disporopsis species are available from selected specialist nurseries and online suppliers. Stock levels vary through the year depending on species and seasonal growth.
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au