Description
Cortusa –
There are about 8 species of herbaceous perennials, in this genus. They occur in mountain woodland from Western and Central Europe to Northern Asia. They produce long stalked, round to heart shaped, basal leaves, It bears one sided umbels of funnel to bell shaped flowers are produced on slender stems above the foliage. Cortusa species are suitable for a woodland or rock garden, they will not thrive in hot, dry climates.
Grow in moderately fertile, humus rich, reliably moist but well drained, slightly acidic or alkaline soil in a cool position in partial shade. Divide in spring.
Prone to slugs and snails.
C. matthioli – This clump forming perennial from Western Europe grows 8-12″ tall and 6″ wide. It produces kidney shaped to rounded, crinkled, rust hairy, deep green leaves, 5″ or more across, with coarsely toothed lobes. In late spring and early summer it bears nodding, broadly bell shaped, magenta or purple-violet, occasionally white flowers, ½” long, are carried in one sided umbels, atop of hairy stems.
Zones 5-8
