Growth Rate
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Fast to moderate growth rate
Typically spreads 12–24 inches per year once established
Quick to form a dense mat in suitable conditions |
Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
Bloom Color
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Ornamental Berries
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
Deer Resistant
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Yes |
Edible
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No |
Wildlife Attraction
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- Pollinators: While the flowers are small, they may attract some small bees and flies
- Shelter: Dense growth provides habitat for ground-dwelling insects
Deer & Rabbit Resistance: Moderate – not a preferred food source due to leathery foliage |
Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Seasonality: Evergreen – offers year-round foliage coverage
Flowering Season: Early to mid-summer (June–July) |
Ideal For
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- Groundcover for Slopes & Banks – Excellent for erosion control with dense, trailing stems
- Mass Planting in Beds or Borders – Fills in space quickly and uniformly with rich green foliage
- Underplanting for Shrubs or Trees – Grows well in partial shade under taller plants
- Low Hedge or Edging Plant – Maintains a clean, mounded shape with light pruning
- Container Gardens or Hanging Baskets – Trailing habit adds texture and movement to container arrangements
Urban & Coastal Landscapes – Tolerant of pollution and wind exposure
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Bright, medium green foliage that remains fresh throughout the seasons
- Texture: Oval, leathery leaves with a soft gloss; dense and uniform coverage
Winter Behavior: Maintains color in cold seasons, with minimal discoloration |
Flower Description
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Tiny, greenish-white flowers; inconspicuous and not significant ornamentally |
Planting Instructions
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- Best Time to Plant: Spring or early fall
- Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils
- pH Preference: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Spacing: 18–24 inches apart for fast, uniform ground coverage |
Pruning & Maintenance
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- When to Prune: Early spring to shape or rejuvenate
- How to Prune: Shear lightly to control spread or neaten edges
Maintenance Level: Very low – trim annually if necessary to contain growth |
Water Needs
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- New Plants: Water regularly until established
- Established Plants: Drought-tolerant; water during extended dry periods
Tip: Avoid standing water or heavy, soggy soil to prevent root issues |
Light Needs
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- Best Performance: Full sun to partial shade
- Adaptability: Tolerates full shade, though foliage may be slightly less vibrant
Ideal Setting: Versatile for underplantings, slopes, and shaded borders |
Harvesting
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Lush, deep green leaves may be clipped and used as filler foliage in cut arrangements
Can be shaped and harvested lightly for decorative seasonal greenery |
Fertilizing
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- When to Fertilize: Early spring before new growth emerges
- How to Fertilize: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer around the base
- Mulching Tip: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds around new plantings
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Additional Care Tips
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- Pest Resistance: Generally pest-free; may occasionally attract scale or aphids
- Disease Resistance: Good; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
- Erosion Control: Excellent choice for slopes and banks
Urban Tolerance: Thrives in city gardens; tolerates salt, pollution, and compacted soils |
Pollination
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- Pollinated by: Insects – though the small blooms are not a primary pollinator source
Seed Production: Rarely sets noticeable fruit or seed in ornamental settings |
Companion Plants
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Pair Summer Runner™ with texture and color-contrasting companions for visual impact and complementary growth habits: For Color Contrast:
- Heuchera 'Caramel'
- Brunnera macrophylla
- Astilbe chinensis
For Structure:
Hydrangea arborescens
Cornus sericea (dwarf varieties)
Ilex crenata (compact types)
- For Texture or Shady Areas:
- Ferns (Dryopteris or Athyrium)
- Pulmonaria
- Hosta spp.
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