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Overview
Schelhammera spp. is a small genus of herbaceous perennials in the family Colchicaceae, native to eastern Australia and New Guinea, with about three species including S. undulata. Plants are low woodland herbs growing 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall from slender creeping rhizomes, forming loose patches. The thin, lance-shaped to oval leaves are 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long with wavy margins and clasp the slender stems. Six-petaled star-shaped flowers about 0.5-0.75 inch (12-20 mm) across are pink to mauve or lilac, carried singly or in small groups at the stem tips, mainly in spring and summer. Small capsules follow and split to release seed. The plants grow in the moist, shaded leaf litter of forest floors and spread slowly to form ground-covering colonies. Foliage is soft and damaged by frost, and growth dies back in dry or cold conditions.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales, and to New Guinea. Grows on shaded, moist forest floors in eucalypt and rainforest understory, in humus-rich soil at low to moderate elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown as a shade-loving ground cover in moist woodland and rainforest-style gardens, spaced 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) apart, and in shaded containers. The low spreading habit suits underplanting beneath ferns and shrubs. Frost sensitivity limits outdoor use to mild climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to lilacFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight