About
Jeffersonia diphylla, the rheumatism root, is a deciduous perennial forming a compact clump of long-stalked, two-lobed, deep-green leaves and pure-white flowers 2.5 cm wide with eight petals opening in early spring with the new leaves. A charming woodland perennial for a cool, moist, partly shaded border.
About the genus
Jeffersonia are small, clump-forming perennials with two-lobed, kidney-shaped leaves and bowl-shaped, white or pale violet flowers in spring. Native to shaded woodland habitats in North America and Asia.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toE North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate 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
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free