Chionographis japonica

[Toole]

Raised from seed many many moons ago   --Chionographis japonica .

Growing in woodland areas in the mountainous regions of Japan ---very small basal leaves (compare with the primula shown in the shot),with flowering stems reaching about 15cms in height.

In the Melanthiaceae family ---Only one flowering stem this season i suspect as a result of the disturbance in dividing it late.

Cheers Dave.  

[Hoy]

Seems to be a plant for my woodland! I like this kind of plants.

[Saori]

Very pretty plant indeed! I'm just curious, how long is 'many moons ago' if you wouldn't mind telling me?

I've never grown this one or seen the plant in person, but according to some Japanese web sites, the flowers smell like sweet chocolate cake.  Have you ever noticed this? Apparently, the flower has been used in the Japanese tea ceremony as a "Chabana." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chabana The plant is called Shiraitosou '白糸草' in Japanese, which literally means 'white string plant.' Thanks for talking about this plant, since I didn't know any of this until I read your post and looked it up! 

[McDonough]

I've never grown this one or seen the plant in person, but according to some Japanese web sites, the flowers smell like sweet chocolate cake.  Have you ever noticed this? Apparently, the flower has been used in the Japanese tea ceremony as a "Chabana." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chabana The plant is called Shiraitosou '白糸草' in Japanese, which literally means 'white string plant.' Thanks for talking about this plant, since I didn't know any of this until I read your post and looked it up! 

I'm fascinated with the scented garden, so your note about this plant smelling like sweet chocolate cake really catches my attention.  There's a very late blooming native aster, Aster pilosus (now Symphyotrichum pilosum), where the flowers waft a heavenly scent like vanilla sugar cookies being baked.  For me, scented flowers (and foliage) of any persuasion, adds to the pleasure of gardening.
http://nargs.org/smf/index.php?topic=159.0

Now I must get acquire this Chionographis, both because I love these types of woodland beauties but now to test the chocolaty scent.

[Toole]

Very pretty plant indeed! I'm just curious, how long is 'many moons ago' if you wouldn't mind telling me?

I've never grown this one or seen the plant in person, but according to some Japanese web sites, the flowers smell like sweet chocolate cake.  Have you ever noticed this? Apparently, the flower has been used in the Japanese tea ceremony as a "Chabana." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chabana The plant is called Shiraitosou '白糸草' in Japanese, which literally means 'white string plant.' Thanks for talking about this plant, since I didn't know any of this until I read your post and looked it up! 

Hello Saori

The label is faded however if i remember correctly from a posting a few years back on the SRGC forum ,the seed was sown in 1998.

The plant has only ever set seed once without any germination unfortunately --however it is easily divided.

Have never noticed the chocolate scent and the flowers have faded somewhat in our heat of late so i guess i'll have to remember that next season.

Cheers Dave.