Contents
Description
Saruma (Saruma henryi) is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Aristolochiaceae. It is native to China and is commonly known as the golden saxifrage due to its bright yellow flowers that resemble saxifrage blooms. Saruma is a shade-loving plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall and spread up to 3 feet wide. It has lush green foliage that turns bronze in the fall, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Piperales |
| Family | Aristolochiaceae |
| Genus | Saruma |
Appearance
Saruma has heart-shaped leaves that are 3-5 inches long and 2-4 inches wide. The leaves are soft and velvety to the touch and have a slightly serrated edge. In early spring, Saruma produces clusters of bright yellow flowers on tall stems that rise above the foliage. These flowers have a unique shape that resembles a saxifrage bloom, which is why it is commonly called the golden saxifrage. The flowers are followed by seed pods that contain small black seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Saruma prefers moist soil that is well-drained. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Fertilization: Fertilize Saruma in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: Saruma prefers rich, loamy soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in a variety of soil types but prefers soil that is well-drained.
Sunlight: Saruma is a shade-loving plant that requires only a few hours of morning sun to thrive. Too much sun can damage the leaves and flowers.
Hardiness Zones: Saruma is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Saruma is generally disease and pest resistant but can be susceptible to snails and slugs, which can damage the leaves and flowers. To prevent these pests, use a natural snail and slug repellent or handpick them off the plant. Saruma can also be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet, so make sure to keep the soil well-drained.
Habitat
Saruma is native to China and can be found growing in the understory of deciduous forests. It prefers shaded areas with moist soil and can be found growing alongside other shade-loving plants like hostas and ferns.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Saruma a good indoor plant?
A: Yes, Saruma is a good indoor plant that can thrive in low-light conditions. It is also a popular choice for outdoor landscaping in shaded areas.
Q: How often should I water Saruma?
A: Saruma prefers moist soil, so water it whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: Can Saruma grow in full sun?
A: No, Saruma is a shade-loving plant that requires only a few hours of morning sun to thrive. Too much sun can damage the leaves and flowers.
Q: Does Saruma attract bees?
A: Yes, Saruma is a good plant for attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden.
Related Plants
- Aristolochia
- Asarum
- Saxifraga
- Hosta
- Ferns
References
- “Saruma Henr.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 13 June 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m810>
- “Saruma Henr.” Plant Database. Accessed 13 June 2021. <https://garden.org/plants/view/610810/Saruma-henryi/>
- “Saruma Henr.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 13 June 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/27531/Saruma-henryi/Details>
