Achlys triphylla |
Origin: West Coast North America
Zone Range: 6-9
Preferred Situation: Semi sun/dappled shade; well draining humus rich acidic soil.
Harvest Date: Thursday 06 September, 2007
Description:
A lovely near carefree herbaceous groundcover with three broad soft green leaves gracefully wave in the slightest breeze. Spikes of small white flowers which look like mini feather dusters are held above the foliage in mid-late May. Quite a sight when growing in large colonies. Spreads by seed and by rhizomes. Prefers open shady sites with humus rich soil. Drought tolerant when established. Being a native plant, it coevolved with our wacky climate of rain drenched winters and dry summers.
Notes:
Deer proof. Shallow rooted so take care when working around the plants. Loves growing with Rhododendrons and leggy shrubs. Might need some supplemental water during its formative years until it gets its roots established. The odd plant in a mossy site looks great too. Can take care of itself in its second or third year. Never fertilize but like the odd thin top dressing of bark compost.
Cultivation:
Best to mimic nature. Soak seed 24 hours. Prepare a surface sowing medium of finely milled peat moss (or compost or leaf mould) with small bit of sand for drainage. Surface sow; tamp seed into surface and thinly cover with sand. Mist well and keep moist. Needs 18-22C for 2-4 weeks; then freezing temps (-5C) for 4-6 weeks. Germinate at cool temps of 5-12C. Never provide strong direct light, especially hot sun.
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