Waldsteinia ternata

Waldsteinia ternata: Glossy Green Carpet That Knows Its Limits

This groundcover has glossy dark green leaves, cheerful yellow flowers and the rare ability to fill in without bulldozing the neighbours. RESPECTS PROPERTY LINES. WHO KNEW?

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Waldsteinia ternata
• Common Name: Siberian Barren Strawberry
• Height: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in), slowly spreading into a mat
• Flowers: Bright yellow, about 1.5 cm (½ in) across, five petals, in small clusters
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green, three-part leaves, semi-evergreen
• Features: Non-aggressive groundcover

Where to Plant: Use it as a groundcover under trees and shrubs, along a path, on a gentle slope or at the front of a part-shade border. It's dense enough to cover bare soil and fill the gaps between larger plants, and it's happiest with some afternoon shade.

Companion Plants: Plant Siberian barren strawberry as a carpet in shade or part sun with golden primroses and pink-to-blue lungwort. Primula Crescendo® Golden opens golden primroses at 25 cm in April and May. Pulmonaria 'Pink-a-Blue' adds pink buds that turn blue at 41 to 46 cm in May and June. Heuchera 'Berry Timeless' brings light pink bells at 20 to 25 cm from June to October. Molinia 'Variegata' arches at 60 to 80 cm in flower with cream-striped blades.

Plant Care: Plant in average, well-drained soil in sun or shade. It handles clay, loam and sand. In full sun, give it some afternoon shade and more water during hot spells. Water regularly in the first season. After that it handles dry periods well. It spreads slowly by short runners and rhizomes, so it fills in without taking over. No cutting back is needed. Tidy up any winter-browned leaves in spring. Divide in spring or early fall to make more plants.

History: Waldsteinia ternata grows wild in scattered pockets of central and eastern Europe and northern Asia, including Siberia, Sakhalin and Japan. "Ternata" refers to its leaves, which are divided into three leaflets, and the genus honours Count Franz de Paula Adam von Waldstein, an Austrian naturalist and explorer.

Final Thoughts: Sun or shade, drought tolerant once settled and deer resistant. It's the polite tenant you've been hoping for. SIGN IT UP.