Ranzania

Ranzania

Ranzania japonica
A perennial, reaching up to 1.6 feet, that is native to mountain forests in northern Japan where it is very rate. It is slow to establish and may take over 5 years for form a substantial size clump.
It is the single member of the Barberidaceae genus which includes Barberries and Mahonias.
The attractive ternate leaves are bright green. They are composed of leaflets, up to 5 x 4 inches in size.
The nodding, bright lavender-pink flowers, up to 1 inch wide, are borne during mid-spring.
They are followed by short lasting white berries that are hidden under the foliage.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( possibly 5 on a protected site ) in partial shade on humus-rich soil. It is easy to grow in woodland conditions. Propagation from seed is easy and they are sown immediately after ripening. Mature plants can be carefully divided.