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 in the saxifrage family, with glossy, heart-shaped basal leaves. Flowering stems rise from the clump and bloom in May to June. It favours full shade on north-facing, sheltered sites in neutral loam that remains moist. Plant it for ground cover or in woodland garden schemes.

About the genus

Mitella is a genus of flowering plants known as miterworts or bishop's caps. Mitella species are native to temperate and arctic North America and Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Mitella", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mitella

In the garden

Mitella formosana sits within the saxifrage family as a rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial that carries glossy, heart-shaped basal leaves from which flowering stems emerge. The genus is associated with temperate regions of North America and Asia, and this species suits shaded, cool positions rather than open sun. Locate Mitella formosana in full shade on a north-facing, sheltered aspect and plant into loam with a neutral pH that holds moisture. Hardiness is rated H5, meaning it is hardy in typical UK gardens but benefits from protection against drying winds and exposed sunny sites. Keep soil consistently moist rather than letting it dry between waterings. Use it as a ground cover beneath trees or alongside other shade-loving perennials in woodland-style borders. Flowers appear in May to June and provide a brief season of vertical interest above the basal leaves. Glossy, heart-shaped foliage forms the clump from which those flowering stems arise, making its leaf habit a defining feature through the growing season.

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