Overview
Mitella trifida is a plant with a clump-forming, rhizomatous habit in the genus Mitella, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with heart-shaped, glossy foliage. Mitella trifida 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 trifida is a clump-forming perennial of the Saxifragaceae family, native to woodland regions. It grows from rhizomes and features glossy, heart-shaped leaves with stalks, creating a lush ground cover. In spring and summer, it produces slender racemes on tall stems, bearing small pale flowers with five fringed petals. This cultivar thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained loam soil under full shade, ideally in a sheltered, north-facing aspect. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is well suited to woodland gardens.
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 trifida 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 trifida
- 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 trifida?
Mitella trifida prefers full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mitella trifida need?
Mitella trifida grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Mitella trifida hardy in the UK?
Mitella trifida 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 trifida?
Division, Seed sowing.
More in the Mitella genus
- Mitella breweriBrewer's mitrewort
- Mitella furusei var. subramosa
- Mitella ovalis

- Mitella formosana
- Mitella makinoi
- Mitella x inami