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Mandarin Disporum

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Mandarin:

Previously known as:

  • Drapiezia
Phonetic Spelling
dis-POR-um
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Disporum is a genus of about 20 plants that are native to southern and eastern Asia in higher elevations. They are both clumping and rhizomatous types that have drooping bell-shaped flowers at the end of the stems that attract butterflies.  They will grow up to 3 feet tall with arching stems and attractive green leaves. Some varieties spread quickly by rhizomes so leave remove for them to spread. They can be divided to control the size and do their best in cool summer areas.

Use disporum in the woodland garden or in part shade to shady borders. Some varieties can be used as ground cover. They need fertile, moist, well-drained soil and can be slow to start. Be sure and provide plenty of water, especially during the first year and then during dry spells.

The US native species that were originally included in this genus are now placed in the genus Prosartes.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Juniper Level Botanic Garden: Part Sun-Part Shade Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Disporum cantoniense
    3-5 feet tall
  • Disporum flavens
    Yellow Fairy Bells
  • Disporum longistylum
    Purple bamboo-like stems
  • Disporum sessile
    2-3 feet tall
Disporum cantoniense, Disporum flavens, Disporum longistylum, Disporum sessile
Tags:
#showy flowers#poisonous#white flowers#yellow flowers#groundcover#naturalizes#shade border#walkway planting#butterfly friendly#bell-shaped flowers#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Disporum cantoniense
    3-5 feet tall
  • Disporum flavens
    Yellow Fairy Bells
  • Disporum longistylum
    Purple bamboo-like stems
  • Disporum sessile
    2-3 feet tall
Disporum cantoniense, Disporum flavens, Disporum longistylum, Disporum sessile
Tags:
#showy flowers#poisonous#white flowers#yellow flowers#groundcover#naturalizes#shade border#walkway planting#butterfly friendly#bell-shaped flowers#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Disporum
    Family:
    Colchicaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Russia to Indo-China
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts butterflies
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 4 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 8 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Green berries appear in fall and mature to red or purple
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    The large drooping bell-shaped flowers have 6 sepals and 6 stamens. They occur in groups or solitary at the end of branches in the spring. They are generally white or yellow.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Variegated
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Green leaves are linear to lance-shaped with 3-7 veins and 2-6 inches long. They may or may not have a stem. May have yellow fall color. There are also varieties with variegated leaves.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Forked branches
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Walkways
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Rain Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. None known, but suspected due to its relationship with other toxic plants. Poison Part: Berries suspected due to its relationship with other toxic plants in the Lily family. Poison Delivery Mode: Ingestion
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Unknown
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits