Disporum cantoniense (Chinese Fairy Bells) is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial with arching, bamboo-like stems clothed with lance-shaped, shiny, bright green leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm). In late spring and early summer, bell-shaped flowers in shades of creamy-white or reddish-purple dangle at the stem ends. They are followed by showy dark-red berries in the fall. A handsome shade-loving woodland species.

• Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Plants spread by rhizomes to form colonies, but they are not considered to be invasive.
• Performs best in part shade in humus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full shade. Provide a sheltered site and protect it with dry winter mulch.
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and vine weevils.
• Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Divide in spring before or as growth begins.
• Native to China, the Himalayas, E. Indies.