How to grow Kirengeshoma

Just two species in this genus named kirengeshoma. Both are clump forming herbaceous perennials native to Eastern Asia.

The genus belongs in the Hydrangeaceae family so its relatives are hydrangea, deutzia and philadelphus.

The key differences between the two species are Kirengeshoma koreana is slightly taller and has larger flowers whose calyx and stems are redder in colour than Kirengeshoma palmata.

Both species have sycamore like palmate leaves with nodding, ball gown shaped, fleshy and waxy butter yellow flowers on stalks growing out from the foliage.

Zantedeschia is a genus of flowering plants from the family Araceae and is native to southern Africa. With a rich history dating back to the Ancient Romans, these deciduous or semi-evergreen perennials have been used as a symbol of celebration. Zantedeschia was Named after Professor Giovanni Zantedeschia, an Italian botanist.

There are two main forms of Zantedeschia: hardy and tender. Hardy forms of the plant can be grown outdoors, enjoy moist soil and full sun or partially shaded conditions - these are known as Arum lilies. Tender forms of Zantedeschia prefer being grown in containers or pots and should be brought inside over the winter - these are known as Calla lilies.

With tuberous flora in all colours from whites, yellows and oranges to deep reds and purples, Zantedeschias are not to be overlooked in any garden, as long as they have sufficient sunlight to grow in.

Ready to learn more about growing Zantedeschia? Read on for all there is to know...

Key Information

Soil pH

Position

Hardiness

Horticultural Divisions-

Here we list out the most popularly cultivated species available in the U.K.

Species

Common name

Hardy in the severest European continental climates

H7 (> -20°C)

Kirengeshoma koreana

Korean kirengeshoma

Kirengeshoma palmata

Yellow wax bells

Where & when to plant Kirengeshoma

Position - Full or partial shade, requires shelter from cold winds.

Soil - Moist but well drained soil which can be clay, loam or sand and prefers acidic soil.

Flower - Sumer to Autumn

Kirengeshoma can be planted all year around when purchased grown in pots. Avoid planting out into water logged or frozen soil.

If container grown plants are planted out during the active summer growing season make sure that they are watered regularly until the plant has settled into its new location. Water at soil level rather than the foliage.

Kirengeshoma are ideal in cottage garden schemes, low maintenance gardens, flower beds and borders and require lime free (acidic) soil.

How to plant Kirengeshoma

For planting in the garden, check your soil pH is suitable for growing this plant that requires acid soil. If you grow heathers, azaleas and rhododendrons that your soil should be suitable.
Dig the soil area removing any large stones and weeds and breaking up any lumps. Mix in some organic matter, ideally leaf mould, though manure or garden compost are also fine. Rake level and firm with your heels. Rake level again.
To help acidify your soil, a good tip would be to mix some ericaceous compost and ericaceous feed into the planting hole and the excavated soil.
Water plants well and allow to drain before planting.
A good tip is to dig a hole twice the size of the root-ball. Fill with water and allow to drain before placing in the plant which is especially good for summer plantings.
Remove the plant from its pot placing the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the surface of the soil. Too low and the plant may rot, too high and the roots can dry out.
Backfill with soil and firm in gently with your foot.
Soak soil well with water.

For planting in containers, first choose an appropriately sized pot around 5-7cm larger than the root ball of your plant (you’ll need to gradually increase the pot size every few years). Always ensure there are plenty of drainage holes in the bottom.
Use a good quality ericaceous potting compost if you have it and mix with garden soil. Mix in some horticultural grit and, if not already present (check the labelling on the bag) some slow-release ericaceous fertiliser granules.
Start by partially filling the pot with ericaceous compost; enough so that when placed on it the upper surface of the root ball is about 3cm lower than the top of the pot.
Fill around the plant with compost, firming down with your fingers then adding a little more so it is held tight.
Pick up the container and lightly tap on the potting bench or ground a few times to help further settle the compost around the plant.
Soak well with water.

What to plant with Kirengeshoma

Outdoors, plant alongside plants with different shaped or coloured foliage as a contrast whilst also making sure nearby plants have interest when kirengeshoma does not.

Try plants such as Anemone, Azalea, Camellia, Echinacea, Gardenia, Hydrangea, Liriope, Magnolia, Rhododendron and Viburnum.

Shop Magnolia

Shop Viburnum

Shop Azalea

How to care for Kirengeshoma

Pruning and Deadheading

After flowering cut faded flower stems to where they arise.

In autumn Kirengeshoma will naturally begin to die down to a dormant rhizome under the ground for the winter period. Remove any decaying material having let the foliage fully collapse before doing so. In spring the plant will regrow.

Watering

On planting outside, they benefit from a good watering in on planting and then regular soakings until established. After this unless there is prolonged season of dry weather they should not need watering.

If grown in containers water the soil regularly checking the compost to see if the soil is dry when you wiggle your fingertip into the soil surface.

Feeding

On healthy, fertile soil, a mulch of well-rotted organic matter (i.e., a layer of leaf mould, manure, or garden compost applied to the soil around the plant) should provide enough nutrients for your kirengeshoma. This has the added benefit of suppressing weeds and locking in moisture. Mulch when planting, and then again each spring.

If you garden on poor soil or your kirengeshoma looks in need of a boost, applying an ericaceous feed to the surface of the soil and lightly working in can reap benefits. This is known as a top dress and should be done when you’re mulching in spring – first apply the feed, then cover with the mulch.

Container-grown plants are different as they rely solely on the gardener for nutrition. Get off to a flying start by making sure you use a good quality ericaceous compost with slow-release granules mixed in. These generally provide nutrients for around 6 to 8 weeks, after which you’ll need to apply a suitable ericaceous liquid feed every 2-3 weeks until the end of the growing season (i.e., September-ish).

Remember to repot your kirengeshoma every few years into a slightly larger pot using fresh ericaceous compost. In-between, it’s worth removing the top few centimetres of compost each spring and replacing with a fresh mix of compost and ericaceous slow-release granules.

Cold Protection

Kirengeshoma are winter tough plants so do not need any particular cold protection.

Pests and Diseases

Kirengeshoma are generally pest free in the garden although can be susceptible to slugs and snails.

How to propagate Kirengeshoma

Kirengeshoma can be propagated by seed and division.

Growing from seed

From February to May fill a seed tray with good quality fine ericaceous compost. Level and firm with the base of another seed tray. Water well and allow to drain.
Carefully scatter the seeds across the compost surface of the tray.
Cover the seed to their own depth with compost.
Cover the seed tray with a flat sheet of glass or cling film. This keeps humidity within the sowing area.
Place the tray in a light sheltered area at 13-15^o Check a couple of times a week for signs of life and to ensure the compost is still moist and not saturated. Germination should take between 14 and 30 days and can be erratic.
Once visible signs of growth can be seen, begin hardening off the seedlings by removing glass or cling film for longer periods to allow ventilation. Start from 15 minutes per day and slowly work up to total removal over a couple of weeks. Protect seedlings from weather extremes and water if tray feels dry. Glass or cling film should not be touching the leaves.
When seedlings are large enough to handle, carefully transplant individually into 9cm pots of ericaceous compost.
Grow on in a well-lit but not direct sun location, and begin a dilute ericaceous liquid feed at 6 – 8 weeks. Plant out into a shady location when roots are visible from the bottom of the pot.

Root Division.

When your plant is at least 3 years old and has been growing well in the previous season you should be able to divide the root structure into more plants.

Kirengeshoma are summer flowering so require division in early spring.

Make sure the plant is not suffering from drought, pest or disease.
Lift plants carefully by digging all around its crown with a fork.
Shake off excess soil so you can clearly see the roots.
With 2 forks back to back separate the rhizome or with a sharp clean knife portion the root into 2 or 3 sections each containing growing tips and roots.
Either replant the bare rooted section back into the position in the garden as described in Planting in the Garden or plant root sections into a 1 litre pot as per the instructions for Planting into a Container
Water well and leave.
Kirengeshoma should show signs of shoot growth within weeks.

* Many plants carry Plant Breeders Rights and cannot be propagated for commercial purposes.