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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Mukdenia rossii

Red-leaved Mukdenia

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early to mid spring

Find this plant

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.