Common Name: syneilesis
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Japan, Korea
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 2.00 to 2.50 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Culture
Rich, moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soils in part shade. Best with morning sun or sun dappled woodland conditions. May tolerate full sun in cool summer areas. Some drought tolerance once established. Will naturalize by stolons into colonies over time.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Syneilesis palmata is native to China, Korea and Japan, this perennial is primarily grown in shady areas or woodland gardens for its attractive foliage. Flowers are somewhat insignificant. This plant typically grows in a foliage clump to 24" tall, with flower stems rising in summer above the clump to 30" tall. Leaves emerge closed in spring on upright stalks, each leaf being covered with unusual but attractive silvery-white hairs. The hairs disappear as each leaf opens into an umbrella-like shape. Leaves (each to 20" across) are rounded, deeply divided (7-9 palmate) and medium green. White flowers (each to 1/4" across) bloom in spike-like panicles above the foliage from summer to fall.
Specific epithet refers to the palmate leaves.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Specimen or mass. Good spreading perennial with attractive foliage for shade gardens. May be difficult to locate in commerce.