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. soldanelloides var. ilicifolia – Fringed Galax – Fringbell – This mat forming perennial from Japan grows 4-12″ tall and 10″ wide. It produces ovate to rounded, with few with triangular teeth, glossy, dark green leaves, 1 1/2″ diameter. Rounded or heart shaped at the bases. In late spring, bears narrowly trumpet shaped, white or rarely pink flowers, to 1″ across, with deeply fringed petals, usually in one sided racemes of 4-6 on 3″ stalks.
Zones 6-8
