California mistmaiden
Romanzoffia suksdorfii

Family: Hydrophyllaceae

What it is like

Romanzoffia suksdorfii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Wet cliffs and ledges at lower elevations in the coastal ranges. Moist woodland.

Western N. America - California to Oregon.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - raw.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained moist gritty lime-free humus-rich soil in a cool position in semi to full shade. This species is very closely related to R. sitchensis.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division when the plant is dormant.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

R. californica. Greene.