Overview
Tolmiea is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Tolmiea, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Tolmiea grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, flower borders and beds, garden edging, ground cover and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Tolmiea is a genus of herbaceous perennials in the Saxifragaceae family, known for their palmately lobed leaves that resemble those of a maple. These clump-forming plants are semi-evergreen and thrive in full or partial shade, favouring moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels. In late spring and early summer, Tolmiea produces slender racemes of small, inconspicuous tubular flowers, typically purplish or brownish. Suitable for a range of garden settings including cottage gardens, city courtyards, and containers, they are hardy to UK zone H6 and can be propagated by division, seed, or removal of plantlets in summer.
About the genus
Tolmiea is a genus of flowering plants in the saxifrage family containing two species native to northwestern North America. The genus was formerly considered to be monotypic until diploid populations were split off as T. diplomenziesii from the tetraploid populations of T.
Wikipedia contributors, "Tolmiea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tolmiea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tolmiea
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Tolmiea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tolmiea
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Seed in autumn, Removal of plantlets from leaves in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tolmiea?
Tolmiea prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tolmiea need?
Tolmiea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand, clay and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Tolmiea hardy in the UK?
Tolmiea 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 Tolmiea?
Division in spring, Seed in autumn, Removal of plantlets from leaves in summer.