Shortia galacifolia (Oconee Bells)

Shortia galacifolia (Oconee Bells) is an evergreen perennial that spreads by short runners to form a dense carpet of round shiny leaves with wavy margins and striking venation. Held on long petioles, the attractive leaves turn shades of red and pink in the sun. They turn bronze in winter. In early to mid-spring, pinkish white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with 5 frilled petals are carried on erect stalks above the basal foliage. Native to the Appalachian mountains, Oconee Bells occur naturally along rivers and in gorges where the land is sloping and shows evidence of natural or man-made disturbance. Difficult to establish and slow to spread, this attractive southern wildflower is an excellent ground cover for shady areas. It is a must for any woodland setting.

• Grows up to 4-6 in. tall and wide (10-15 cm).
• Performs best in part shade to full shade in organically rich, acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Do not let the soil dry out in the warm summer months. Provide a light layer of fine mulch in the spring that will keep the roots protected and add nutrients to the soil.
• Perfect for woodland gardens, as a groundcover, or underplanting shrubs.
• A low-maintenance and forgiving perennial.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by root division.
• Native to the southern Appalachian Mountains, concentrated in the tri-state border region of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.