Description

Waldsteinia –

There are about 6 tufted to clump forming, rhizomatous, and herbaceous semi evergreen perennial in the rose family, in this genus.  They are found naturally occurring in the northern hemisphere.  They are cultivated for there 3 palmate or palmately 3 to 7 lobed hairy leaves, resembling their close allied the strawberries.  Leaves may develop bronze tints depending on lighting.  There also grown for their 5 petalled bright yellow flowers, borne singly or in clusters up to 8 in late spring and early summer.  Waldsteinias provide a good groundcover for a woodland garden, on dry, shady banks, or at the front of an herbaceous border, but may be invasive. Grow in any moderately fertile soil in full or partial shade.  Divide in early spring. W. ternata – W. trifolia – This vigorous, semi evergreen perennial, spreading by rhizomes and stolons, is from Europe, Russia, China, and Japan and grows 4-6” tall and spreads 24” or more wide.  It produces 3 palmate, shallowly lobed and toothed leaves, to 2 ½” long, each composed of 2 almost diamond shaped, lateral leaflets and a rounded terminal leaflets.  In late spring and early summer, bear loose cymes of 3-8 butter cup like shaped, golden yellow flowers, ½” across on new growth. Zones 3-8