Boehmeria japonica

RHS Plant Profile
sycamore-leaf false nettle

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Synonyms

Boehmeria longispica

Herbaceous Perennial
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A herbaceous perennial grown for its attractive foliage. It has pairs of green leaves which are deeply veined and have crisply serrated margins. In late summer-autumn, strings of pale pink-green flowers develop which look like pipecleaners

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Urticaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
Genus
Boehmeria is a genus of 47 species of flowering plants in the nettle family. They may be trees, shrubs or perennials, are extremely hardy and provide a stable food source for butterflies and moths.
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any deep, moisture retentive soil in partial shade

Propagation

Divide in spring or propagate from semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free