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Collector's item

Jeffersonia diphylla

Jeffersonia diphylla
Twinleaf, Rheumatism Root, Blue Twinleaf, Helmet Pod

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Planted a small root cutting last summer in a terracotta pot left outside all winter, finally it's poking its head out. Beautiful delicate leaves, I'm waiting for it to bloom.

nanu, 14/03/2024

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
A small perennial rhizomatous plant of the undergrowth. It forms a carpet that gradually spreads. It is adorned with fresh green leaves divided into two twin leaflets, which remain decorative after flowering. In April, before the appearance of new leaves, its small white flowers open. Easy to grow in partial shade, in moist but well-draining, humus-rich soil, even rocky and limestone.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
10 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time April
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Description

Jeffersonia diphylla is a small perennial native to cool North American woodlands. This hardy plant it noted for its decorative foliage and early spring flowering. It slowly spreads on the ground, forming a beautiful carpet of bright green leaves divided into two identical leaflets. Its small star-shaped white flowers emerge from the ground in early spring, before the appearance of new leaves. An elegant ground cover to dress the base of deciduous trees and shrubs or partially shaded rockeries, in moist soil.

 

Jeffersonia diphylla belongs to the Berberidaceae family, the same family as epimediums or fairy wings. It is a deciduous perennial native to the eastern United States, found in an area ranging from Minnesota to New York and south to Tennessee. It is found in deciduous forests, most often in ravines or on moist rocky slopes, in soils with a tendency towards limestone. It is a non-invasive creeping rhizomatous plant, which slowly forms 10cm (4in) tall carpets. The flowering occurs in April, before deciduous trees leaf out. Small flowers emerge from the ground. They are cup-shaped, 2.5cm (1in) in diameter, and composed of 8 pure white petals, surrounding a yellow heart. The foliage emerges directly from the rhizome and soil, usually just after flowering. The young shoots are tinged with bronze and brown. They unfold into leaves divided into two perfectly identical semi-ovate leaflets, arranged symmetrically with respect to the petiole. The curious fruit is a green pear-shaped capsule with a jointed top. The fruits ripen in summer. The plant reaches a height of 45cm (18in) and enters dormancy during this fruiting period. The seeds are dispersed by ants through a process known as myrmecochory. 

 

Jeffersonia diphylla thrives in partially shaded conditions, under deciduous trees, in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soils. This allows it to be used to dress the base of deciduous trees and shrubs. It is hardy to at least -15°C (5°F) and enjoys both sun in spring and shade in summer. This perennial pairs well with fairy wings, liverworts, hellebores, ferns, cyclamen, trilliums, and Japanese anemones

Jeffersonia diphylla in pictures

Jeffersonia diphylla (Foliage) Foliage
Jeffersonia diphylla (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time April
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 3 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 10 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Jeffersonia

Species

diphylla

Family

Berberidaceae

Other common names

Twinleaf, Rheumatism Root, Blue Twinleaf, Helmet Pod

Origin

North America

Product reference158391

Planting and care

Jeffersonia diphylla thrives in partial shade or not too dense shade, ideally under deciduous trees, in well-drained, loose soil enriched with compost, which is slightly acidic to limestone. The soil should not be too dry, even in summer. Naturally rocky soils are well tolerated, as are semi-shady rock gardens. Monitor watering during very dry summers, mulch if necessary, and take care to protect the plant from slugs and other snails.

16
€14.50 Each
6
€19.50

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Border, Edge of border
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Planting density 6 per m2
Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Well-drained, humus-bearing

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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