Beesia

( BEEZ - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus is filled with flowering evergreen perennials with beautiful leaves and dainty flower spikes that rise above the foliage in mid to late springtime. They are best in partial shade to filtered light, and need to be grown in rich, moist soil for best performance. They are used as gently spreading groundcovers, eventually blanketing shady areas of the landscape in shiny, heart-shaped leaves. Beesia does well in shade gardens, informal landscapes, and woodland gardens. Take care when planting these perennials in the landscape, as there is some evidence that ingestion of plant parts is toxic to livestock.

beesia Species and Varietals

The genus Beesia includes just two species, and is a member of the Buttercup plant family Ranunculaceae. The genus was named for the plant nursery firm Bees of Chester,  which financed the plant-hunting trips of George Forrest and Frank-Kingdon Ward. Plants in this genus are closely related to those of Anemonopsis, Eranthis, and Actaea. ​The best growing zones for Beesia plants vary depending on the species grown. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Beesia calthifolia  (Ginger Leaf False Bugbane)
This species is native to China and Myanmar, and has glossy green and mottled heart-shaped leaves. In late spring through August, flowers appear on thin spikes above the foliage. Flowers are white. These plants make a great, evergreen groundcover for shaded areas and reaches 12-18 inches tall and wide. Forms clumps.

Beesia deltophylla 
​Native to southeastern Tibet, this gently spreading evergreen groundcover has glossy green leaves, dark stems, and produces white flowers in spring and summertime. These plants are perfect for woodland gardens, narrow beds, and tree understorey.

Caring for Beesia

Grow these clump-forming plants in a place in the garden that receives dappled shade, filtered sun, or full shade. They typically don't do well when exposed to direct sun; they prefer indirect light. Ensure that soil drains well, and is relatively fertile with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants after installing, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature. Water new plantings regularly as they develop a strong root system. Mature plants also appreciate moist soil; irrigate whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry. These plants can be grown in the ground or in containers, the latter situation will prevent spread, but plants will have to be divided every few years to avoid them becoming root-bound in their pot.

Fertilize Beesia plants yearly in early springtime using organic compost, pulling back mulch before applying. Work the compost into the soil, water, and then replace mulch around the base of the plant. These plants do not need any additional fertilizing. To prune, remove any spent flower spikes to neaten appearance. If there are any old or damaged leaves, they can be removed in early springtime after the last chance of frost has passed.

Propagation

The best ways to propagate these plants is via seed or division. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are harvesting seed from a hybrid cultivar. To propagate your Beesia plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Beesia by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
  2. Harvest your seeds. The seeds of Beesia plants are contained inside of the dried flowering heads of plants, which will turn brown and dry when mature. Once they have dried out completely, cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will begin to release the seeds, and this process can be helped along with some rough handing (shaking of the bag). Once seeds have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
  3. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes about 28 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
 
Propagating Beesia by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring; to propagate by division, follow these steps:
  1. Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
  2. Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section.
  3. Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water them in.
  4. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout over the spring and summer seasons.

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Beesia seeds are contained inside of the dried seed heads present on bloom spikes after flowers have faded.

Problems and Pests

These plants are generally free of issues. For information on commonly-encountered pests and diseases in the landscape, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Beesia is commonly chosen as a groundcover, and does well in shaded areas.
Here, a clump of Beesia grows beside Masterwort, Brunnera, Bleeding Heart, Hydrangea, and Astilbe.
In springtime, dainty upright spikes of flowers rise above the foliage.

Videos

All about Beesia.
Beesias are true workhorses of the shade garden.

Resources

Beesia deltophylla
Wikipedia: Beesia
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 190, Beesia deltophylla
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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