Description: A semi-evergreen perennial with a slowly spreading, ground-covering habit. Kidney-shaped, medium green, glossy leaves show their distinctive veining. Leaf stems are covered in very fine, soft hairs. Cup-shaped, brownish-purple flowers appear in mid-spring. Very distinctive with their petals terminating in long, graceful tails. Look for them laying atop the soil, hidden under the leaves.
Special Notes: Native to the Pacific Northwest. Great ground-cover plant but is slow to establish. Will tolerate some sun. Foliage and roots have a spicy ginger and citrus fragrance when crushed. Relatively pest- and disease-free. Slugs and snails may be a problem in early spring. Deer and rabbit resistant. Propagate by fresh seed; divide in early spring or autumn. Will self-sow.
Great Plant Pick 2006
Posted on April 19, 2013
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