Description
There are many variegated forms of Disporum smilacinum in Japan, where variegation is highly esteemed. Some are simply lined or edged with white, Daisetsurei is one such in which the leaves are almost totally white-cream, relieved only by small amounts of green, in the form of stripes, towards the leaf tips. The combination is a very striking one.
The leaves are largely white-cream and though this lack of chlorophyll has some impact on vigour this is still a strong-growing plant. In addition it is completely stable with no tendency to revert to all-green forms.
In early summer there is an added bonus of hanging white “tiffany” lampshade flowers, with yellow anthers (just visible on the left in our picture). This plant spreads very slowly, by underground offsets, but both these and mature roots are naturally very small, so please be warned that they do not look impressive upon arrival! Easy in humus-rich soil in shade.
