This deciduous, thicket-forming shrub has attractive wavy-margined leaves that resemble maple leaves and have good orange-yellow fall color. Cutleaf stephanandra grows to less than 2 feet tall but spreads by suckering. Flowers are unremarkable at a distance but attractive close-up. In winter, the rich brown, arching shoots draw the eye.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsAttractive leaves, good fall color, arching habit.
CarePlant in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Prune after flowering by cutting back shoots to strong buds. On older plants, cut back one-third to one-fifth of old shoots to the base.
PropagationStems root wherever they touch the ground, so separate them in autumn, winter, or early spring. Alternatively, take greenwood cuttings in early summer, semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or hardwood cuttings in late fall.
ProblemsInfrequent
- Genus : Stephanandra
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Summer
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Flower Color : Green, White
- Uses : Ground Covers
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
