About
Jeffersonia dubia, the twin leaf, is a deciduous perennial to 20 cm forming a compact clump of kidney-shaped, shallowly two-lobed leaves, with pale violet-blue flowers 2.5 cm across opening with the new leaves in early spring. A beautiful and delicate 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 typeLoam
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
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesRock garden
Native toNE Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, humus-rich, preferably neutral to acid 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; established plants tolerate drought
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in an open frame as soon as ripe or divide established plants in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free