Stephanandra incisa (Cutleaf Stephanandra)
Michael's Opinion
An edging plant, Stephanandra seldom exceeds 40 cm. The small, lime-green, deeply dissected leaves cover the entire plant and are held on cinnamon brown, pendulous branches. It produces delicate white flowers and en masse can be quite attractive although somewhat ephemeral in nature. Full sun and good soils are required however I have seen it grown with some success in partial dry shade.
Botanical Information
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Stephanandra |
| Species | incisa |
| Category | Woody |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 4-7(8) |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 4 |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 60 cm |
| Spread | 1 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | June |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Excellent as a ground cover, roots wherever it touches the ground. |
| ID Characteristic | Graceful spreading branches, slender zig-zag stems, fern-like leaves and yellowish-white flowers. |
| Shape | Low, mounded form. |
| Propagation | Roots readily from cuttings taken at any time of year. |
| Pests | No serious pests or diseases.. |
| Notable Specimens | The Devonian Botanic Gardens, Devon, Alberta, Canada. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Stems contain a zig zag pattern and are brown in colour. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Ovoid, superposed, small and with about 4 scales. |
| Leaf Description | Simple, 2-ranked, alternate, ovate and are 2.5-5 cm long. Incisely lobed and serrate, bright green above and pubescent on the veins beneath. |
| Flower Description | Small, yellowish-white, borne in loose terminal panicles but are not particularly showy. |
| Fruit Description | Follicle, not showy. |
| Colour Description | Leaves are tinged reddish bronze when unfolding, later bright green and red-purple or red-orange in autumn. Flowers are yellowish-white. |
| Texture Description | Medium to fine in leaf and medium in winter. |
Photographs
A mature plant growing at the A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Garden, Strathroy.
Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa'