Heloniopsis orientalis
Description and General Information:
This woodlander is native to shady, damp woodlands of Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Plants produce a basal rosette of smooth, evergreen, strap-like leaves that often take on red tints in winter. In early sping, it produces a leafless cluster of nodding, 2-3 cm wide lavender-pink lily-like bells atop 15-30 cm tall stems. Stems may elongate to 45 cm as seeds develop. After flowering, plants produce a new rosette of leaves.
Cultivation:
This species prefers part-shade and soil that is acidic, moist, highly-organic but well-drained. Sandy-loams are ideal. It is rated hardy to zone 6.
Bloom Period:
Heloniopsis may bloom as early as March in southern areas or as late as May at the northern end of its hardiness range.
Propagation:
Division, seed or leaf-tip propagules
Seeds:
Fresh seed is essential. They may be sown at 20 C but generally germination is poor.
Division:
Larger clumps may be dug after blooming and carefully divided
Cuttings:
While Heloniopsis is not propagated by typical cuttings, plants sometimes develop new plantlets from their leaf tips if the tips come in contact with the soil.