Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba'
Karasuba mukdenia
NE Asia (Manchuria, Korea; shaded rocky stream banks, cliff bases, moist woodland edges)
Overview
Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba' (Crimson Fans) is a compact, deciduous, clump-forming perennial reaching 8-14 inches (20-36 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and a low, mounding habit. This cultivar is grown primarily for the foliage color development: the palmately lobed, fan-shaped leaves emerge bright green in spring, then develop progressively intensifying crimson-red margins and tips from late spring onward, eventually becoming predominantly deep crimson-red by late summer. The leaves are 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) across with 5-9 lobes. White to pinkish star-shaped flowers appear on short stems in April-May before or with the emerging foliage. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 4. Native to the genus Mukdenia spp. from Manchuria and Korea, in shaded rocky stream banks. The slow, rhizomatous spread is noninvasive.
Native Range
Mukdenia rossii is native to northeastern Asia—Manchuria (northeastern China) and Korea—in shaded rocky stream banks, cliff bases, and moist woodland edges. 'Karasuba' is a selected cultivar with intensified crimson foliage coloring.Suggested Uses
Planted as a groundcover, woodland edge accent, or in containers (minimum 2-gallon) at 12-15 inch (30-38 cm) spacing. The progressive crimson-red foliage coloring is the primary feature—strongest in bright indirect light. Suits shaded borders, rock gardens, and stream bank plantings. Slow spreading. Requires consistent moisture and shade. Not suitable for full sun, dry sites, or hot climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'2"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
White to pinkish star-shaped flowers on short stems 6-10 inches (15-25 cm), appearing April-May before or with the emerging foliage. Bloom duration is 2-3 weeks. The flowers are secondary to the foliage display.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pinkish; star-shaped on short stems; Apr-May before/with foliageFoliage Description
Emerges bright green; develops progressive crimson-red margins and tips from late spring; predominantly deep crimson-red by late summer; palmately lobed fan-shaped 4-8 inches acrossGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 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
Plant in partial to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Hardy to zone 4. Shade essential—leaf scorch occurs in direct sun. Consistent moisture needed. Slow growth rate. Mulch to maintain soil moisture and coolness. Does not tolerate drought or hot, dry conditions.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems after bloom. Cut back all foliage to ground level after frost browns it in late autumn or early spring. No other pruning needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons