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ALPINE GARDEN CLUB PLANT OF THE MONTH
BEESIA CALTHIFOLIA
This is a lovely foliage plant for the woodland garden. Like other members of the Ranunculaceae, it is tough. It grows not much more than 4"-5" high and splays nicely. It is a good neighbour and consociates well with a variety of plants. It is not rhizomatous.
I saw it growing beautifully in the Zhongdian plateau in NW Yunnan especially those forms around Tianchi Lake. The new leaves emerge bronze and then as the sunlight and heat increases they turn a strong green. These leathery leaves persist through Winter before the next set grows up from the rhizome below. The flowers are white and small but pretty. It has an extended period of flowering as one stalk slowly replaces another over the course of mid to late Spring. It is an undemanding plant that takes care of itself once established.
Beesia calthifolia in flower. A papery seed husk can be seen to the left of the flower
Close-up of Beesia calthifolia leaf
Beesia with Trillium erectum, Anemone nemerosa and Omphaloides 'Starry Eyes'
Grahame Ware