Uvularia - Growing Guide

Commonly known as ‘Merrybells’

These are creeping rhizomatous perennial plants from woodland areas in the north east of the USA. They are easy to grow if you get the conditions which they like correct and will puzzle and draw comment from those who have not seen these peculiar plants before.

Uvularia grow best in shady areas in a border or peat bed. Alternatively, they will naturalise in a damp shady glade in a woodland garden where the ground around them is bare and clear of competing growth. Perhaps a border surrounding a pond or stream?

The leaves of uvularia point downwards. U. grandiflora has pairs of hanging yellow bell shaped flowers in April or early May. The flowers appear twisted and the flowering stems are about 30in tall in maturity although they readily flower in pots at a smaller size.

Although fully hardy, uvularia’s main enemy are slugs and snails as the new growth emerges in the spring.

The rhizomes can readily be lifted and split when dormant.

An unusual plant that is not widely grown but well worth a try if you have the right site for it.

Uvularia sessilifolia

Uvularia sessilifolia

Uvularia sessilifolia

Uvularia grandiflora

Uvularia grandiflora