51 gardener saves
Chloranthus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 5 most-saved Chloranthus varieties
Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedJapanese Chloranthus
Chloranthus japonicus
#2 most savedHenry's Chloranthus
Chloranthus henryi
#3 most savedGet Shorty Chloranthus
Chloranthus sessilifolius 'Get Shorty'

Serrate Chloranthus
Chloranthus serratus

Chloranthus erectus
Chloranthus erectus
How to grow Chloranthus
What the Chloranthus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Chloranthus year
- MulchApril and October100% of varieties
Apply leaf mold or compost to maintain cool, moist soil
- DivideMarch and September60% of varieties
Divide clumps every 5-7 years for propagation or rejuvenation
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March60% of varieties
Cut back old foliage before new growth starts in late winter/early spring
- PlantMarch40% of varieties
Plant transplants in early spring or early fall
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch around roots to conserve moisture
- Prune lightly after flowering
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
- Don’t let soil dry out completely ❌
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
What goes wrong with Chloranthus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curling leaves and sticky residue | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of roots | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Chloranthus
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Plant divisions at same depth as original
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks
Chloranthus questions
How many types of Chloranthus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Chloranthus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 51 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Chloranthus grow in?
Across its varieties, Chloranthus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Chloranthus bloom?
Most Chloranthus varieties bloom in early spring, spring, spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Chloranthus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
