Description
Shortia – Schizocodon –
There are 6 stemless, evergreen stoloniferous perennial, in this genus. They naturally occur in woodlands in Eastern Asia and one species is form North America. They produce rounded or heart shaped, toothed, leathery, glossy, usually dark green leaves often turn red in autumn and winter. In spring it bears bell, trumpet, or funnel shaped, white, blue, or deep pink flowers, with toothed or deeply fringed petals, are held singly or in terminal rather nodding racemes. These attractive shade loving plants are suitable for a rock garden, open glade in a woodland garden. They grow best in areas with cool, damp summers.
Grow in humus rich, leafy, moist but well drained, acidic soil in deep to partial shade. Difficult to grow in dry climates, even with frequent watering.
Prone to slugs and snails.
S. galacifolia – Oconee Bells – This clump forming perennial from Eastern USA grows 6″ tall and 10″ wide. It produces 2″ diameter, rounded, blunt toothed, glossy, dark green leaves, up to 3″ long, with wavy edges, turning bronze in winter. In late spring, bears solitary, funnel shaped white or blue flowers, to 1″ across, on 4″ stalks, with toothed petals and pink calyces.
Zones 6-9
