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Herbaceous Perennial

Paris polyphylla

many-leaved paris

A tender, deciduous herbaceous perennial for deep shade. Leaves in whorled groups of five to nine appear in spring, followed by flowers made up of leafy-looking green sections, topped by fine thin yellow wisps. Clusters of red berries follow.

Synonyms
Daiswa polyphylla
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green Green
Autumn Green Red
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Melanthiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

A genus of 24 species of flowering herbaceous plants mainly found in woodland areas of Asia and Europe. They produce spider-like flowers with long, thread-like petals which sit in the centre of a terminal whorl of green foliage

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers full shade, but would tolerate partial shade. Needs a rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Protect new shoots from frost; they come up very early in spring

Propagation

Propagate by division, in early spring, just as shoots appear. It is also possible to propagate by seed, but germination may take up to three years

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Cut back old foliage in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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