Plant Search

Cutleaf Stephanandra

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Cutleaf Stephanandra foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Description:

A dense, low growing shrub with thin branches arching to the ground and small attractive foliage, forms an upright mound; tends to sucker, makes an ideal groundcover shrub; needs organic acidic soil, not for alkaline soils, protect from drying winds

Ornamental Features

Cutleaf Stephanandra has attractive emerald green deciduous foliage which emerges burgundy in spring on a plant with a spreading habit of growth. The small deeply cut lobed leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding orange in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Cutleaf Stephanandra is a spreading deciduous shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Cutleaf Stephanandra is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Cutleaf Stephanandra will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.