Overview
Tellima grandiflora is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Tellima, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Tellima grandiflora grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, coastal and rock garden. It is native to North America.
About
This compact perennial develops a neat cluster of rounded, bluntly lobed leaves. In late spring and early summer, it produces upright racemes that can reach 75 cm in height, adorned with small cream flowers that may emit a faint fragrance. As they mature, the blooms often transition to a light red hue.
About the genus
Tellima consists of herbaceous perennials that grow in clumps, featuring rounded, lobed foliage. Their small, fringed, bell-shaped blooms are borne on upright racemes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tellima
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Tellima grandiflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Rock garden
- Native to
- North America
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tellima grandiflora
- Cultivation
- Prefers a humus-rich, moisture retentive soil in partial shade. Plants will however tolerate drier positions in shade, and full sun in moist soils. Plants may self-seed if seedheads are not removed
- Pruning
- Old flower stems may be cut back once flowering has finished
- Propagation
- Will freely self-sow. Alternatively propagate by seed in containers as soon as the seed is ripe and place in a cold frame to overwinter. Divide mature plants in the spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Tellima grandiflora?
Prefers a humus-rich, moisture retentive soil in partial shade. Plants will however tolerate drier positions in shade, and full sun in moist soils. Plants may self-seed if seedheads are not removed.
Where is the best place to plant Tellima grandiflora?
Tellima grandiflora prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Tellima grandiflora need?
Tellima grandiflora is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Tellima grandiflora?
Old flower stems may be cut back once flowering has finished.
How big does Tellima grandiflora grow?
Tellima grandiflora reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Tellima grandiflora hardy in the UK?
Tellima grandiflora has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Tellima grandiflora?
Will freely self-sow. Alternatively propagate by seed in containers as soon as the seed is ripe and place in a cold frame to overwinter. Divide mature plants in the spring.