Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Sunlight Partial shade to full shade
Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral
Mature Height 6 to 8 inches
Maintenance Level Low maintenance
Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

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Additional Information
Growth Rate

Establishment: Moderate; may take 2–3 years to form a dense mat.

Spread: Spreads via underground rhizomes; less aggressive than the species.

Colorful Leaves Yes
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color White
Ornamental Berries N/A
Disease resistant No
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant No
Drought Tolerant No
Deer Resistant Yes
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction

Attracts: Limited; not a significant source of nectar or pollen.

Resistant To: Deer and rabbits typically avoid this plant due to its tough, unpalatable foliage.

Self-pollinating Cross-pollinating
Seasonality

Foliage: Evergreen; provides year-round ground cover.

Bloom Period: Early spring.

Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 5–9.

Ideal For

  • – Groundcover in shade
    – Woodland and under-tree planting
    – Erosion control
    – Mass planting in borders
Leaf Description

Color: Dark green centers with creamy white margins.

Texture: Glossy, leathery, and slightly serrated.

Arrangement: Whorled at stem tips, creating a dense, uniform appearance.

Flower Description

Color: White.

Size: Small, about 1–2 inches long.

Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring.

Fragrance: Mild; not a primary ornamental feature.

Pruning & Maintenance

Routine Maintenance: Minimal pruning required.

Thinning: Thin out dense areas in early spring to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.

Rejuvenation: Mow or shear back in early spring if plants become leggy or overgrown.

Water Needs

Establishment Phase: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Mature Plants: Drought-tolerant; water during prolonged dry periods.

Avoid Overwatering: Excess moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Light Needs

Optimal: Partial to full shade.

Tolerance: Tolerates deep shade; avoid full sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Harvesting

Not Applicable: Primarily used as an ornamental groundcover; not harvested for culinary or medicinal purposes.

Fertilizing

Initial Planting: Incorporate a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil.

Annual Feeding: Apply a light dose of balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed.

Avoid Over-Fertilization: Excess nutrients can lead to excessive growth and potential disease issues.

Additional Care Tips N/A
Pollination

Flowers: Small, white, and inconspicuous; bloom in early spring.

Pollinators: Not a significant attractant; primarily ornamental foliage interest.

Companion Plants

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hosta spp.

Astilbe spp.

Ferns (e.g., Dryopteris spp.)

Pulmonaria spp.

Brunnera macrophylla

Heuchera spp.

Tiarella cordifolia

Flowering and Seasonality

Foliage: Evergreen; provides year-round ground cover.

Bloom Period: Early spring.

Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 5–9.

Color: White.

Size: Small, about 1–2 inches long.

Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring.

Fragrance: Mild; not a primary ornamental feature.

Pet Friendly

Yes

Growing Zone
  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

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