Jeffersonia diphylla
rheumatism root
J. diphylla is a deciduous perennial forming a compact clump of long-stalked leaves divided into two lobes, and pure white flowers 2.5cm wide, with eight petals, opening in early spring with the new leaves
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Jeffersonia are small, clump-forming perennials with2-lobed, kidney-shaped leaves and bowl-shaped white or pale violet flowers in spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, humus-rich, preferably limey soil in partial or full shade; top dress with leaf mould or other humus-rich material in autumn. Dislikes disturbance and may take a year or two to settle after transplanting
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in an open frame as soon as ripe; divide established plants in autumn, leaving two or three new buds per clump; plants will flower in two to three years
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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