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Herbaceous Perennial

Paris quadrifolia

herb paris

A rhizomatous perennial to around 40cm high, with upright stems bearing a single whorl of usually 4, sometimes 3 or 5, ovate green leaves around the stem. In spring, a solitary star-shaped flower, with long, lance-shaped, green outer petals and threadlike, greenish-white inner ones, is produced at the tip of the stem, followed by a single, round, blue-black berry

Other common names
herb paris
herb true love
see moreleopard's bane
one-berry
true love
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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
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White Green
Summer Green Blue Black
Autumn Green Blue Black
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Melanthiaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in deep, humus-rich, neutral to slighty acidic soil that doesn't dry out, in part or full shade. Ideal for a shady corner or woodland garden

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in containers outdoors in autumn, or by division in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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