The Story
Plant Bio
Pinellia tripartita 'Free Tibet' is a perennial herbaceous plant with distinctive trifoliate leaves and spadix flowers enclosed in a spathe, showcasing a delicate and elegant form with green and purple hues.
This cultivar is notable for its robust growth in cool, shaded environments and its ornamental value, with unique leaf shape and subtle floral coloration that adds interest to shaded garden areas.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan, China
Toxicity
All parts are toxic; can cause severe skin and mouth irritation
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist, well-drained soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for optimal growth.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Transplant in early spring after danger of frost passes.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Maintain consistently moist, shaded conditions for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide shade during hot summer days
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Divide in early spring to prevent overcrowding
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not allow soil to dry out completely
- Avoid fertilizing with high nitrogen fertilizers
- Keep away from dry, windy locations
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Free Tibet Green Dragon questions
What zones can Free Tibet Green Dragon grow in?
Free Tibet Green Dragon is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Free Tibet Green Dragon deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Free Tibet Green Dragon, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Free Tibet Green Dragon bloom?
Free Tibet Green Dragon typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Free Tibet Green Dragon need full sun?
Free Tibet Green Dragon does best in part shade.
More Pinellia to compare
Green Dragon
Pinellia tripartita
Pinellia tripartita Dragon Tails
Pinellia tripartita 'Dragon Tails'
Silver Dragon Pinellia
Pinellia tripartita 'Silver Dragon'
Atropurpurea Green Dragon
Pinellia tripartita 'Atropurpurea'
Yamazaki Pinellia
Pinellia cordata 'Yamazaki'
Pinellia Peltata
Pinellia peltata
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Free Tibet Green Dragon with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.