We’ve long admired the woodland genus Veratrum, for both their large, pleated, orchid-like basal foliage, and also for their tall flower spikes. Having grown fifteen of the twenty-seven known corn lily species, we can confidently say that fourteen of them don’t like our hot, humid summers. The lone survivor from our years of trials is the Korean, Veratrum maackii var. maackii ‘Cheju Purple’. Unlike many veratrums that prefer damp meadows, this Asian (Korea, Japan, Russian Far East) species has thrived for years in average to dry garden soils. We particularly love the 4′ tall spikes of purple flowers in early fall. Hardiness is Zone 5a-8b.
Is this growing in your shade garden? What amount of sun, if any, during the day? Thanks.
Light, open shade, but no full sun.
Mine (in Belgium ) was eaten by slug/snails , without mercy . Worse than hostas in this aspect .
Obviously, people there aren’t consuming enough Caracoles.