Decaisnea insignis |
Syn. Decaisnea fargesii
Syn. Slackia insignis
Native Region: Himalayas, Western China
Zone Range: 06-09
Preferred Climate: Temperate woodland
Harvest Date: Sunday 19 October, 2025
Seed count: 12-15
Description:
This multi-trunked deciduous shrub/small tree rarely exceeds 5-6 meters in height/spread. Bright green pinnate leaves, up to 90cm long, emerge in mid-spring. Pendent panicles of blooms have green-yellow petal-less flowers, followed by fruit resembling fat bean-pods that turn dull metallic blue in the fall.
Notes:
Decaisnea can make for a remarkable conversation piece in any garden. The common name 'Dead Man's Fingers' is a surprisingly apt description of what the over-ripe fruit looks, and dare we say, feels like. This is a beautiful plant in its own right, but it really shines as an annual source of excellent Hallowe'en decorations.
Cultivation:
For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant. Sow seed in containers in an open frame in autumn. Maintain even, but not excessive, moisture. Grow on in any good garden soil in sun to part shade. Hardy to -15°C.
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