Oriental Swamp Pink

(Helonias breviscapa)

Oriental Swamp Pink (Helonias breviscapa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Helonias breviscapa, commonly known as Oriental Swamp Pink, is an evergreen perennial herb native to wetlands, marshy meadows, and boggy areas in Japan. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters), forming a compact clump. The plant features lance-shaped leaves and produces upright, dense spikes of small, star-shaped pink flowers in the spring, which are moderately showy and attract pollinators.

Oriental Swamp Pink is valued for its unique flowering spikes and evergreen foliage, which add interest to water gardens, bog gardens, and moist woodland settings. It is also used in traditional Japanese medicine. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate full sun to part shade. While it prefers acidic soils, it can adapt to medium drainage if consistent moisture is provided. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from harsh winter conditions in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wetlands, marshy meadows, and boggy areas

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: , Heloniopsis breviscapa, Helonias breviscapa, Heloniopsis orientalis var. breviscapa, Heloniopsis orientalis subsp. breviscapa, Heloniopsis breviscapa subsp. breviscapa, Heloniopsis japonica var. breviscapa, Hexonix breviscapa,

GBIF Accepted Name: Helonias breviscapa (Maxim.) N.Tanaka