Kirengeshoma palmata
yellow wax bells
Hydrangeaceae

Characteristics: Large, shade-loving perennial that looks like it could be from outer space. Architectural with strong, vertical lines. Dense like a hydrangea, it grows en masse with stems 7-8cm apart. Sticky, glandular stems, and waxy yellow flowers that bloom through July. The fruit looks like a Cobb marble, perfectly spherical with 3 pistils on top. The Korean form looks better at UBC Botanical Garden (smaller one comes from Japan). Native to Asia but hummingbirds like it. Butterfly pollinated.

Growing conditions: Very tough. Shade and well-drained soil. Leaves are too tough for slugs.

Limitations: No real issues, except that it needs a lot of space.