A clump-forming evergreen perennial, to around 40cm high, with long, glossy, narrowly heart-shaped green leaves with spiny edges and fine hairs on the undersides. Leaves are mottled reddish-bronze when young. Masses of tiny white flowers are borne on delicate stems above the leaves in spring
0.1-0.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Where frosts are prolonged or severe, spread an organic mulch such as leaf mould or composted bark to protect plants over winter
Propagate by division in autumn or after flowering; or by root cuttings of rhizomes, kept under glass in winter, and planted out after all danger of frost has passed
Clip back old leaves in late winter or early spring, before new flower spikes form
May be susceptible to vine weevil
May be susceptible to virus diseases