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Tellima spp.
Fringecups
Overview
Tellima is a genus in the family Saxifragaceae represented by a single widely grown species, T. grandiflora, known as fringecups. It is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial of moist coastal and montane forests in western North America. Plants form basal mounds of long-stalked, hairy, heart-shaped to shallowly lobed leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across, from which slender, upright flowering stems rise to 12-32 inches (30-80 cm). The racemes carry many small, bell-shaped flowers with deeply fringed petals that open greenish-white and age to pink or red. Flowering runs from spring into early summer. Foliage is semi-evergreen, persisting through mild winters and often flushing bronze in cold weather. Plants spread slowly by short rhizomes and self-seed where conditions suit, sometimes naturalizing beyond the intended area. Tellima grows in cool, humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil in partial to full shade and declines in hot, dry, sunny sites where the leaves brown at the edges. It withstands winter cold to USDA zone 4.
Native Range
Tellima grandiflora is native to western North America, from southern Alaska and British Columbia south through the Pacific Northwest to coastal northern California, and inland to Idaho. It grows in moist forests, stream banks, and shaded rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Used in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as ground-layer underplanting beneath shrubs and trees. Suited to naturalistic and native-plant plantings in moist shade. Combines with ferns and other shade perennials.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'8"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish-white aging to pinkFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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 partial to full shade in cool, humus-rich soil kept evenly moist. Plants tolerate dry shade once established but hold foliage longer with steady moisture. Cut back tired flower stems after bloom to keep plants tidy and limit self-seeding. Divide clumps in spring or autumn every few years. Hardy to USDA zone 4, the foliage persists through mild winters and dies back in harsh ones.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems at the base after bloom to limit self-seeding. Trim away winter-damaged leaves in early spring. Divide congested clumps to maintain vigor.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons