Also known as Green Dragon · 106 saves
Pinellia
Pinellia, the genus most gardeners know as green dragon. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Pinellia varieties
Browse all 8 Pinellia varieties →
Track your Pinellia in Sow
Save the Pinellia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Pinellia
Whats common across all Pinellia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them.
The Pinellia year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide tubers every 3-4 years to manage spread
- PlantMarch, April, September and October75% of varieties
Plant tubers in moist, shaded soil
- MulchMarch and April63% of varieties
Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool
- Check for PestsApril–June63% of varieties
Monitor for slugs and snails, especially in wet conditions
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March63% of varieties
Remove old, dead foliage before new growth emerges
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Avoid
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not allow soil to dry out completely
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Expose to direct, harsh sunlight
What goes wrong with Pinellia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Apply organic slug bait or handpick |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply copper fungicide |
| Fungal leaf spots | Brown or black spots on foliage | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Pinellia
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring.
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact.
- Plant divisions at same depth in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly and mulch around divisions.
Seeds
- Sow seeds in moist seed-starting mix in early spring.
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist.
- Maintain temperature at 65-75°F for germination.
- Transplant seedlings when large enough.
Pinellia questions
How many types of Pinellia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Pinellia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 106 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Pinellia grow in?
Across its varieties, Pinellia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pinellia bloom?
Most Pinellia varieties bloom in late spring, early spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pinellia 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.