Overview

Reineckia carnea is a perennial in the genus Reineckia, part of the Q134172 family. It typically grows around 0.1 m tall. Reineckia carnea grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include groundcover and borders. It is native to China and Japan.

About

Reineckia carnea is a low perennial ground cover that thrives in full shade, typically reaching about 0.1 m in height. It favours moist but well-drained soils and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay textures. Classed H6 in the UK, it stands up to most winter conditions gardeners encounter. Use it where a persistent, low cover is required in shady spots.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Reineckea

About the genus

Reineckea is a genus of plants in the Convallarioideae. Several species names have been proposed within the genus, but only one is widely accepted: Reineckea carnea, native to China and Japan.

In the garden

Reineckia carnea is a shade-adapted perennial from China and Japan, grown for its low-growing habit and ability to occupy sites where many other perennials struggle. At roughly 0.1 m tall it forms a close cover of the soil surface, making it an option for the part of the border nearest the path or beneath taller shrubs. Place plants in full shade or a shaded aspect and choose a site with moist but well-drained soil; this species tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they do not remain waterlogged. It is rated H6 for the UK (very hardy) and also corresponds to USDA zones 6–9, so it will withstand most UK winters without special protection. Keep mulch light over the crown to maintain moisture through dry spells and avoid heavy compaction of the rooting area. Reineckia carnea suits shady ground cover runs and restrained border fronts where height is limited. Its compact stature and shade tolerance make it a practical filler for narrow beds, the base of shade-loving shrubs, or alongside shaded paths, where it provides a low, consistent layer close to the soil surface.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Reineckia

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Exposure

Shade

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Reineckia carnea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Height

0.1 m

Suggested uses

Groundcover, Borders

Native to

China, Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Reineckia carnea

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded areas; tolerant of a range of soil types

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed

Propagation

Division

Frequently asked questions