Description

Waldsteinia –

There are about 6 tufted to clump forming, rhizomatous, and herbaceous semi evergreen perennial in the rose family, in this genus.  They are found naturally occurring in the northern hemisphere.  They are cultivated for there 3 palmate or palmately 3 to 7 lobed hairy leaves, resembling their close allied the strawberries.  Leaves may develop bronze tints depending on lighting.  There also grown for their 5 petalled bright yellow flowers, borne singly or in clusters up to 8 in late spring and early summer.  Waldsteinias provide a good groundcover for a woodland garden, on dry, shady banks, or at the front of an herbaceous border, but may be invasive.

Grow in any moderately fertile soil in full or partial shade.  Divide in early spring.

W. geoides– This creeping perennial from Central Europe, Balkans, and Turkey grows 10” tall and 8” wide.  It produces stem leaves that are diamond shaped and shallowly lobed, and mid green.  The basal leaves are 3-10” long, and are broadly heart shaped, and coarsely scalloped, covered in soft hairs.  In spring, it bears lax cymes of few, saucer shaped, bright yellow flowers, ¾” across.

Zones 4-7