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, rock garden, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Alberta and British Columbia.

About

Tellima grandiflora, commonly known as fringe cups, is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the Saxifragaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in a variety of light conditions, including full shade, full sun, and partial shade, and prefers sheltered sites. It is adaptable to different soil types such as chalk, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained soil, and can tolerate acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels. Native to Alberta and British Columbia, it is of interest in spring and summer.

About the genus

Tellima grandiflora, the bigflower tellima or fringecups, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Saxifragaceae. It is the only species in the genus Tellima.

Wikipedia contributors, "Tellima", CC BY-SA 4.0Tellima

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, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Native to
Alberta, British Columbia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Tellima grandiflora

Cultivation
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from division in spring to maintain vigor.
Pruning
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage tidiness; divide clumps every few years in spring to rejuvenate plants.
Propagation
Division in spring, Self-seeding
Pest resistance
Slugs
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Tellima grandiflora?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from division in spring to maintain vigor.

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?

Remove spent flower stalks to encourage tidiness; divide clumps every few years in spring to rejuvenate plants.

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 an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Tellima grandiflora?

Division in spring, Self-seeding.

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