Fringe Cups, Bigflower tellima
Tellima grandiflora

Family: Saxifragaceae

What it is like

Tellima grandiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Rocky soils under moist conditions, occasionally in boggy land, in redwood, mixed evergreen and yellow pine forests from sea level to 1500 metres.

Western N. America. A garden escape, occasionally naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction of the pounded plant has been used to restore the appetite and to treat a range of sicknesses.

Other

Rating: 3

A useful ground cover plant for moist borders, woodlands and rock gardens.

How it is grown

Grows well in humus-rich soils in a shady position. Succeeds in any good sweet garden soil that does not dry out in spring. There are several named varieties, selected for their ornamental value.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a warm greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination is usually fairly rapid. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. The seed can also be sown in the middle of spring in an outdoor seedbed and planted out in early summer. Alternatively, you can sow the seed in an outdoor seedbed in the middle of summer for planting out in the following spring. Division in March or October. It is best to divide the plants in August or early September, making sure that the woody roots are planted quite deeply with only the crown of foliage above the ground.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

T. breviflora. Rydb.