Tellima grandiflora (Fringe Cups)

Tellima grandiflora (Fringe Cups) is a compact perennial forming a neat clump of shallowly-lobed, rounded, toothed, softly hairy leaves, 4 in. wide (10 cm), sometimes tinged with purple. The leaves are evergreen in warm winter areas. From mid-spring to mid-summer, slender and graceful wands of small, urn-shaped flowers adorned with fringed petals are carried well above the rich green foliage mound. The unusual petals are at first white or cream but often become deep pink with age. Sometimes fragrant, the flowers attract hummingbirds. Native to central California to southern Alaska, Fringe Cups spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding. It can be somewhat aggressive and form colonies in optimum growing conditions. This species is a beautiful plant of shaded woods and a choice plant to combine with ferns.

• Grows up to 30 in. tall (75 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm). May self-seed if seedheads are not removed.
• Performs best in part shade, in humus-rich, moisture retentive soils. Tolerates wet soils. If grown in full sun, make sure the soil remains consistently moist or the foliage might decline. The plant will however tolerate drier positions in shade.
• Lovely addition to beds and borders, rock gardens, woodland gardens, city gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, along ponds and streams. Can be used as an attractive ground cover.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed in containers as soon as the seed is ripe and place in a cold frame to overwinter. Divide mature plants in the spring.
• Cut back old flower stems once flowering has finished.
• Native to western North America from British Columbia to California.