Overview
Mitella formosana is a plant with a clump-forming, rhizomatous habit in the genus Mitella, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with heart-shaped, glossy foliage. Mitella formosana grows best in full shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ground cover and woodland gardens.
About
Mitella formosana is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial from the genus Mitella, known for its small woodland plants native to East Asia and North America. It features glossy, heart-shaped leaves with stalks, thriving in full shade and sheltered, north-facing aspects. This cultivar prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. In spring and summer, it produces slender racemes of small, pale flowers with five fringed petals. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suited for ground cover and woodland gardens where moisture is maintained.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mitella
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Mitella formosana size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Rhizomatous
- Foliage
- Heart-shaped, Glossy
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Woodland gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mitella formosana
- Propagation
- Division, Seed sowing
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to honey fungus
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mitella formosana?
Mitella formosana prefers full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mitella formosana need?
Mitella formosana grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Mitella formosana hardy in the UK?
Mitella formosana has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Mitella formosana?
Division, Seed sowing.
More in the Mitella genus
- Mitella breweriBrewer's mitrewort
- Mitella furusei var. subramosa
- Mitella ovalis
- Mitella trifida
- Mitella makinoi
- Mitella x inami