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Mukdenia spp.
Northeastern Asia (China, Manchuria, Korea)
Overview
Mukdenia spp. is a small genus of two rhizomatous, clump-forming perennials in the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae), native to woodlands of northeastern Asia. Plants form low mounds 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide from short, creeping rhizomes. The leaves are broad and palmately lobed with 5 to 9 toothed segments, somewhat maple-like, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) across, emerging bronze-tinged, deepening to green, and turning red to crimson in autumn. In early spring, branched stems rise above the unfolding foliage carrying loose clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers about 0.3 inch (8 mm) wide. Mukdenia rossii is the species behind most garden plants, including red-leaved selections. Native to moist, shaded slopes and stream banks, the genus needs cool, humus-rich soil and consistent moisture, and the foliage scorches in dry, sunny, or exposed positions.
Native Range
Mukdenia spp. is native to northeastern Asia, including northeastern China, Manchuria, and Korea. Plants grow on moist, shaded slopes, rocky stream banks, and woodland floors in cool temperate forest.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade and woodland gardens, along stream and pond margins, and at the front of cool, moist borders. Used as groundcover in dappled shade and in containers kept out of hot sun. The autumn leaf color extends interest into the cooler months.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering comes early, in spring, often March to April, with the white flower sprays opening as the bronze foliage unfolds. Bloom lasts a few weeks. The flowers fade before the leaves reach full size and take on their summer green.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bronze emerging, green maturingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in part to full shade on cool, moist, humus-rich soil that drains yet never dries out. The genus tolerates morning sun in cooler climates but scorches in hot afternoon sun and dry air. A mulch of leaf mold conserves moisture and keeps the rhizomes cool. Division of the rhizomes in early spring or autumn is the usual method of increase. Slugs can damage the emerging spring foliage. Cold winters are tolerated, as the genus is fully dormant and hardy underground.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems after bloom and clear dead foliage in late autumn as the plant goes dormant. No other pruning is needed. Old clumps can be lifted and divided to keep them vigorous.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons