Golden Ramie
Boehemeria nipononivea ‘Kogane Mushi’ Photographed April 30. Beech Island, South Carolina. Golden leaves capture light and brighten up any spot. Mix into other perennials in the sun or let it become a 5‘ by 5‘ focal point in light shade.
Special Care: No special care-- tough as nails. Tolerates dry soil or boggy soil, though may suffer winter damage in really wet soil. Sun to light shade.
Cloth made from a related ramie plant offers beautiful textures & has been coveted in Asia for centuries.
Gardening Tips: In full sun and heavy soils, this will be a broad shrub-like perennial. I’ve often underestimated its size, so wound up cutting it back several times each summer to keep it to a mere 4 feet tall.
Flowering Time: Bristle-like flower in June are not significant. Plant this for its dazzling golden leaves.
Suggested Combinations: The beauty of this plant Foliage: Brilliant golden leaves, slightly hairy, look like a is that it can be subtle or gaudy. For a truly tropical, over-the-top color clash, interplant with large crinum giant coleus! lilies such as ‘Pink Trumpet’ and put a giant blue salvia behind. For a subtle combination mix with cobalt Growth Rate: Fast enough to be used as an annual. Lady’s Bell’s (Adenophora) or buttery yellow Patrina. Plant near daffodils and other spring bulbs so this foliage plant can cover their fading leaves. Ultimate Height: 5 feet but only in perfect settings.