This group consists of two deciduous shrubs from western China and the Himalayas. Decaisnea fargesii grows up to 10 feet high with large, pinnate leaves 2 to 3 feet long. They have a bluish tinge when young. In late spring, clusters up to 18 inches long of uninteresting yellowish-green flowers are produced. These are followed by decorative, sausage-shaped, metallic blue seedpods that contain numerous black seeds embedded in a slimy white pulp.

Grow these plants in sun or partial shade in moist, but well-drained, light loamy soil.

Seeds may be sown in a warm greenhouse, in the spring.

Decaisnea fargesii.