Common Name: pollia
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Commelinaceae
Native Range: Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 1.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: July
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Fruit: Showy
Culture
Grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pollia japonica is a rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial that typically grows on upright stems to 1-3' tall. Features large, oblong to oblanceolate leaves (8-12" long) and loose terminal panicles of small, 1/4" wide, white flowers. Flowers are followed by blue, 1/4" diameter fruits (berry-like capsules). Uncommon in cultivation.
Genus name honors Jan van der Poll (d. 1781) burgomaster of Amsterdam.
Specific epithet means of Japan.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Best in shade or woodland gardens. Unique and uncommon status also gives it a certain amount of specimen value.