Overview

Vancouveria hexandra is a perennial herb in the genus Vancouveria, part of the Berberidaceae family. Vancouveria hexandra grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates loamy and well-drained soils. It is native to Western N America.

About

Vancouveria hexandra is a perennial herb in the barberry family that bears small white flowers whose outer segments reflex, giving the impression of an inside‑out bloom. It favours low-light conditions and produces its flowers from April to June. The species prefers moist, loamy yet well‑drained soils and is native to western North America. Plants suit locations with partial shade or full shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vancouveria hexandra

About the genus

Vancouveria is a small group of plants belonging to the barberry family described as a genus in 1834. The three plants in this genus are known generally as inside-out flowers, and they are endemic to the West Coast of the United States. The genus was named after George Vancouver, English navigator and explorer.Species

Wikipedia contributors, "Vancouveria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vancouveria

In the garden

Vancouveria hexandra is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Berberidaceae that originates from western North America. It is valued for its delicate white flowers, which appear from April to June and show reflexed petals and petal‑like sepals that create the inside‑out effect reflected in its common name. For cultivation choose a position in partial shade or full shade where soils remain moist but drain freely; heavy, waterlogged ground should be avoided. A loamy soil enriched with leaf mould or well‑rotted compost will help retain moisture and support steady growth. Mulch will conserve soil moisture through dryer spells, but avoid placing the crown in standing water. In the UK it works well in shaded borders, woodland schemes or beneath larger shrubs where it contributes a low, spring flowering layer. Planting in groups gives the most impact when flowers are in season; expect the small white blooms to be the main ornamental feature in late spring. After flowering, foliage forms the ground cover that occupies the shady soil niche.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Vancouveria

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

loamy, well-drained

Soil moisture

moist

Plant details

Vancouveria hexandra size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herb

Native to

Western N America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Vancouveria hexandra

Propagation

seed, division

Frequently asked questions