Tripladenia cunninghamii
kreysigia
Eastern Australia (Queensland and New South Wales)
Overview
Tripladenia cunninghamii is a small rhizomatous perennial herb that grows 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) tall from slender, often arching stems, spreading slowly to 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) wide. The thin, broadly lance-shaped leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, stalkless, and arranged in pairs or threes along the stem, mid-green and softly veined. Small star-shaped flowers about 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across open singly or in small groups in the upper leaf axils, the six pointed segments pale mauve to lilac with a yellow and darker central zone. Flowering runs mainly through spring and early summer. The plant grows in the moist, shaded understorey of subtropical rainforest and wet eucalypt forest along the ranges, on humus-rich soils. It dies back or thins in dry or cold spells and needs consistent moisture and shelter to persist. Slow spread by rhizome makes it a quiet groundcover rather than a fast filler. It is grown mainly by native-plant and shade-garden growers within its climate range.
Native Range
Tripladenia cunninghamii is native to eastern Australia, from southeastern Queensland through eastern New South Wales. It grows in the shaded understorey of subtropical rainforest and moist eucalypt forest on humus-rich soils along the ranges and coast.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade groundcover in fern gardens, rainforest plantings, and sheltered courtyards. Grown in pots in moist, shaded positions. Spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart in groups for cover.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'8"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale mauve to lilac with yellow centerFoliage Description
Mid-greenGrowing 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
Tripladenia cunninghamii grows in part to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It needs steady moisture through the warmer months and shelter from drying wind and hot sun. Cold hardiness is limited to about USDA zones 10-11, and growth thins in cold or dry spells. A mulch of leaf litter keeps the rhizomes cool and supports the woodland conditions it grows in. Plants spread slowly and are easily lost if allowed to dry out.Pruning
No regular pruning is needed for this small herb. Old or tatty stems can be cut back near the base as growth renews from the rhizome. Spent flowering stems can be removed once seed is not wanted.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons