Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma) Kirengeshoma palmata
Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma) (Kirengeshoma palmata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Hydrangeaceae family, native to Mountain forests of Japan and Korea. It grows 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants shade and high water, and is hardy to about -26 °C (-15 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -26 °C (-15 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mountain forests of Japan and Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and high water.
Questions about Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma)
- How far apart should I plant Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma)?
- It tolerates about -26 °C (-15 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma) flower?
- From about August for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard references.
- What grows well with Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Maple-like leaves on dark arching stems and waxy, butter-yellow shuttlecock bells in late summer. Needs cool, moist, acid woodland soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Mock orange Philadelphus coronarius
- Panicle hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata
- Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' Hydrangea arborescens
- Climbing hydrangea Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris
- Slender deutzia (himeutsugi) Deutzia gracilis
- Mountain hydrangea (yama-ajisai) Hydrangea serrata
- Rough-leaved hydrangea Hydrangea aspera