Growing
This woodland native thrives in the shade, making it an ideal choice for filling in the gaps beneath large trees where other plants might struggle. Because it spreads via rhizomes to form a dense, low mat, it acts as an excellent weed suppressant. However, keep in mind that this plant is delicate and can be damaged easily by foot traffic, so it is best reserved for areas where you do not walk.
When establishing your ground cover, focus on maintaining a well-drained site. While it enjoys regular watering, avoiding waterlogged soil is essential to prevent issues. If you notice small, cup-like structures appearing on the soil surface, these are fungal fruating bodies. You can manage these by using a leaf rake to gently disturb the mulch beneath your plants, which helps break up the spore cups. For organic management, a spray of lime sulfur applied to the soil surface when these cups are first detected can help destroy developing fungal structures.
You can propagate this perennial by using cuttings, division, or seeds. If you are planting in containers, it performs well as long as the drainage remains good. While the foliage is often evergreen, the leaves may appear somewhat worn or tattered by the middle of winter, particularly in colder regions.
Plant Witch