Guest Author - Nikki Phipps

No, it’s not Paris Hilton, but Paris the relative of the Trillium. Paris (Paris polyphylla) is an interesting little Asian woodlander, found in the Himalayas from India to China. Like their better known cousin the Trillium, they have leaves in a single whorl below a flower in two whorls. As the name suggests, Paris species are exotic plants with an amazing flowering characteristic. The genus name, Paris, is not derived from the French city or the celebrity, however, but from the word ‘pars’, referring to the symmetry of the plant. In olden times it was much esteemed and used in medicine, but today its use is almost confined to homoeopathy. While it’s not commonly offered, this odd and beautiful plant makes a great conversation piece in the garden.

The simple, yet smooth, upright stem reaches about a foot high; and crowned near its top center, with four pointed leaves, rises a solitary greenish-colored, spring-blooming flower, which is highlighted by long, yellow anthers. The individual flowers are very long-lived, lasting for up to 3 months. Once flowering has ceased, it produces a single berry and when ripe, it eventually splits to discharge its seeds. As there is only one single flower, turning into a single, showy red berry in autumn, this remarkable plant has also been deemed as One Berry. Paris makes a perfect understory planting and fascinating specimen plant. Paris is produced through rhizomes and adapted to damp, partially shaded areas, preferring deciduous woods. Paris can be easily grown in a moist (but well drained), humus-rich soil typical to woodland conditions. Paris reaches 18 inches tall and about 8 inches wide. For better results, space plants about 10 inches apart.

All species of Paris are clump-forming and look amazing when planted in masses. Even if Paris never bloomed, the foliage alone is just as eye-catching. Water during dry spells. Plants are very slow to flower from seed; therefore, if you are lucky enough to have these extraordinary plants growing in your garden, it may be wise to propagate them by dividing their rhizomes and then replanting. However, propagating Paris successfully is nearly as rare as the plant itself. Please be aware that the red berries are poisonous so if you have pets or small children, keep them away.

P. japonica, also called canopy plant (a reference to the umbrella-like ceremonial canopy held over the emperor in former times), is native to open woods in the mountains of Northern Japan. This species has a large, showy white flower that is followed by a purple berry. Another interesting Paris species is P. tetraphylla. This Japanese native woodlander is topped by a whorled flower made of green outer petals and slender, feathery-like inner petals that match the yellow stamens. P. quadrifolia or Herb Paris has four leaves in two opposite pairs, and whorled yellow-green flowers succeeded by a dark blue berry. This species is native to much of Europe and Asia, including Russia (Siberia), Mongolia, and China.