About

This creeping, deciduous perennial with fresh green leaves emerging in spring. In late spring, and early summer sprays of white flowers are borne on leafless stems.

About the genus

Vancouveria is a small genus of perennial herbs with delicate bell-shaped flowers that sweep backwards, giving the impression of them being turned inside-out. Flowers are pinkish-white to yellow on thin, upright stems in late spring to early summer. Leaves can be deciduous or evergreen and berries bright red to blue-black.

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Rock garden
Native toWestern N America

Care notes

CultivationGrow in partial shade, in a humus-rich, moist fertile soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationDivide in spring or sow seed in containers, in a cold frame as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceVine weevil may be a problem
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free