Foliage plant for partial shade. Leaves have parallel grooves from the base to the tip. The effect is something of an upright growing Hosta. Flowers are spikes of maroon flowers, somewhat resembling Astilbe or Rodgersia in shape, and appear in July to August.

Does best in moist, fertile soil - it has been my experience that in dry thin soil their growth is stunted. Also, I've learned the hard way, these plants must be protected from the wind, as the leaves are very flimsy and rip apart in windy conditions.

Summer 2000 will be the 3rd summer we've had them in our garden, none of our plants flowered in years 1 or 2. If they ever bloom for us, I'll post a photo on this web page.

Have tried to grow them from seed a couple of times with no success. Jelitto and Schacht write that growing from seed is tedious and recommend propagation by division.

Rhizomes are poisonous.

Foliage grows from 12" to 24" for us, flower spike another 1 to 3 feet.  Spread of 12 inches (our plants have never had more than one stem).

The above photo was taken on May 11th.

Hardy zone 4 or 5.

Glen's score:  6.

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