Laceshrub, Cutleaf Stephanandra
Stephanandra incisa

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal.

Stephanandra incisa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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): 2

Where it is found

Thickets in low mountains all over Japan. On mountain slopes, or by streams at elevations of 500 - 1000 metres in southern China.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves. No more details are given.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The cultivars 'Crispa' (syn 'Prostrata') and 'Dart's Horizon' make dense arching ground cover plants. They should be spaced about 1.2 metres apart each way. Plants are sometimes grown as an informal hedge.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Cascades, Erosion control, Ground cover, Massing, Specimen. Thrives in a reasonably moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Hardy to at least -20°c. There some named varieties. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but it is likely to require a period of cold stratification and would probably be best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as soon as it is received. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring is a very effective means of increase. Roots cuttings, March in a warm greenhouse. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 12cm long, July in a frame. High percentage.

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

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth: Medium

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Stephanandra flexuosa. Spiraea incisa.