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.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Melanthiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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