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Growth Rate
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Moderate; spreads steadily by rhizomes to form dense colonies.
Fills in bare areas within 2–3 years depending on spacing.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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No |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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Flowers may attract small pollinators.
Dense mat provides shelter for beneficial insects but is not a major wildlife attractant.
Resistant to deer and rabbits.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Spring: flowers appear; fresh new growth emerges.
Summer: dense evergreen mat continues to expand.
Fall: foliage persists, adding ground-level greenery.
Winter: retains evergreen leaves, though some may bronze in very cold climates.
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Ideal For
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– Shady groundcover, woodland gardens, under trees, slopes, borders, foundation plantings, erosion control |
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Leaf Description
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Glossy, leathery, dark green evergreen leaves arranged in whorls at stem tips.
Leaves are ovate to spatulate, providing year-round cover and structure.
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Flower Description
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- Small, fragrant white flower spikes in spring (March–April).
Not highly showy, but add subtle seasonal interest.
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Planting Instructions
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- Plant in humus-rich, well-drained yet moisture-retentive soil; thrives in acidic to neutral conditions.
Space plants 6–12 inches apart to form a dense, evergreen groundcover over time.
Plant crown level with the soil surface; do not bury stems, as this can cause rot.
Best planted in spring or fall for quick establishment before seasonal extremes.
Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds until plants fill in.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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In early spring, shear or mow patches down to about 3 inches to refresh foliage and encourage new growth.
Remove any winter-damaged or yellowing leaves.
Routine pruning is not required beyond containment.
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Water Needs
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Requires regular water during establishment.
Once established, drought tolerant for short periods but prefers consistent moisture.
Avoid prolonged soggy conditions which may cause crown rot.
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Light Needs
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Prefers partial to full shade; ideal under trees, shrubs, or on the north side of buildings.
Can tolerate some morning sun, but direct afternoon sun may scorch leaves.
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Harvesting
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Not grown for harvesting; ornamental and functional groundcover use only.
Clumps can be divided in spring or fall for propagation.
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Fertilizing
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Low fertilizer needs; apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost in spring.
Avoid overfertilizing, which can cause leggy growth.
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Pollination
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- Produces small, fragrant white flowers in spring that are insect-pollinated.
Pollination is not significant for ornamental effect; primarily grown for foliage.
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Companion Plants
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Woodland perennials like Hosta, Heuchera, Pulmonaria, and Ferns.
Shrubs such as Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas, and Azaleas.
Early spring bulbs (Snowdrops, Crocus, Daffodils) can be naturalized through its carpet.
Works well in shaded foundation plantings and under evergreen trees.
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