Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Mukdenia rossii
Red-leaved Mukdenia
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Height
- 8 to 12 in in foliage, up to 16 in in flower
- Width
- 12 to 18 in
- Flower color
- Small starry white flowers held in airy branching clusters
- Foliage color
- Glossy green maple shaped leaves often flushed red in fall
- Bloom time
- Early to mid spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flower stems and divide clumps when crowded
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees and other early season pollinators
About this plant
Mukdenia rossii forms low, spreading clumps of rounded, softly lobed green leaves that create a gentle ground-layer through the growing season. In early to mid-spring, delicate sprays of small white flowers rise on slender stems above the foliage, bringing a light, airy display just as the garden begins to awaken. As the season progresses, the leaves may take on warm red tones along the margins, adding quiet color to the maturing planting.
Native to woodland regions of northeastern China and Korea, it reflects the cool, shaded environments of forest floors and mountain slopes. Seasonal growth and steady clumping habit lend calm texture to shaded borders and naturalistic plantings.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums · Hostas · Bleeding hearts · Solomon's seal
Design tip
The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
