Barnardia japonica
Michael's Opinion
A small, late season flowering bulb that were it to flower in the spring with such bulbous competition I would not give it ground. However, in late August when it flowers for us the pale mauve blooms are a welcome and interesting addition at that time of year.
Botanical Information
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Barnardia |
| Species | japonica |
| Synonyms | Scilla scilloides |
| Category | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Origin | Widely distributed throughout eastern Asia and Russia including Taiwan, Japan ( including the Ryukyu Islands), and Korea. Found extensively throughout China in the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Shanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 1-6a |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 6-7 |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 30-40 cm |
| Spread | 5 cm |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | July, August |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | A bulbous plant, with the bulb being ovoid to globose in shape and covered in a blackish-brown tunic. |
| Propagation | By bulblet division or seed. It, in desirable habitats will self-seed quite easily. |
| Cultivation | Easily cultivated in part-shade to full sun in average garden soils. |
| Pests | None of note. |
| Notable Specimens | The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | From sea level to elevations of 2600 m in forest edges, hillside meadows and open slopes to grassy areas. |
| Leaf Description | 4-5 linear, smooth, soft leaves, typically15-30 cm in length. |
| Flower Description | Many, rose purple, pink to white flowers on a scape that is longer than the leaves. |
| Fruit Description | I-3 seeds are found in a subobovoid capsule that is 3-6 mm long and 2-4 mm wide. Fruit is usually formed in October to November. |
Photographs
