|
Growth Rate
|
Fast-growing; quickly forms a dense, compact mound.
Mature size: approximately 3–4 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide (spreading by suckers).
|
|
Colorful leaves
|
|
|
Flowering
|
Yes |
|
Bloom Color
|
|
|
Disease resistant
|
Yes |
|
Cold Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Heat Tolerant
|
No |
|
Drought Tolerant
|
No |
|
Deer Resistant
|
Yes |
|
Edible
|
No |
|
Wildlife Attraction
|
Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and pollinators.
Provides light cover for small birds and beneficial insects.
Deer generally avoid it due to its texture and taste.
|
|
Self-pollinating
|
|
|
Seasonality
|
Spring: Vibrant pink-bronze new growth emerges.
Summer: Creamy white flowers bloom above lime-green foliage.
Fall: Foliage turns golden-yellow with hints of orange.
Winter: Dormant stems remain, offering structural interest.
|
|
Ideal For
|
– Woodland borders, mixed shrub beds, slopes, cottage gardens, or mass plantings for texture and foliage color |
|
Leaf Description
|
Compound, fern-like leaves with a finely textured, feathery appearance.
New foliage emerges coppery-pink to bronze-orange, maturing to lime green in summer, then turning yellow-gold in fall.
Colorful new growth contrasts beautifully with older leaves for a multi-tonal effect.
|
|
Flower Description
|
Creamy white flower panicles, upright and feathery, appear in early to mid-summer.
Blooms resemble those of Astilbe or Spiraea, adding softness to garden designs.
Flowers are lightly fragrant and highly attractive to pollinators.
|
|
Planting Instructions
|
Select a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and equal in depth.
Loosen compacted soil and amend with organic matter such as compost or leaf mold.
Set the plant so the crown sits level with the soil surface, backfill, and water thoroughly.
Space plants 3–4 feet apart to allow room for spreading growth.
Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
|
|
Pruning & Maintenance
|
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Cut back stems to near ground level to encourage vigorous new shoots and maintain compact shape.
Remove unwanted suckers regularly to control spreading, as this species can form colonies.
After flowering, remove faded blooms to tidy appearance.
|
|
Water Needs
|
Prefers moderately moist, well-drained soil.
Water regularly during establishment and dry spells, especially in summer.
Once established, tolerates short dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture.
|
|
Light Needs
|
Grows best in full sun to partial shade.
In cooler climates, full sun enhances leaf color intensity.
In warmer climates, light afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
|
|
Harvesting
|
Produces small, dry seed capsules in late summer, though not ornamental.
Can be propagated by division or root suckers in spring or fall.
Deadheading is not essential but can improve appearance.
|
|
Fertilizing
|
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring.
Avoid heavy feeding; excessive nitrogen can lead to floppy growth.
Annual application of compost or organic mulch maintains soil health and vigor.
|
|
Pollination
|
Insect-pollinated, mainly by bees and other pollinators.
Produces small, inconspicuous seed capsules; not grown for fruit.
Spreads mainly by root suckers rather than seed.
|
|
Companion Plants
|
Shrubs: Hydrangea arborescens, Spiraea japonica, and Physocarpus opulifolius for textural contrast.
Perennials: Hosta, Astilbe, Heuchera, and Ferns for shade gardens.
Grasses: Miscanthus, Calamagrostis, or Festuca for a natural, layered look.
Works beautifully in woodland borders, mixed shrub beds, or naturalized plantings.
|
