Tellima grandiflora 'Forest Frost'
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FRINGE CUPS
Family: Saxifragaceae
Pronounced: TEH-lih-muh gran-dih-FLOOR-ah
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
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Mature size: Height: 32 inches (80 cm). Width: 12 inches (30 cm).
Flowering period: May.
Flowering attributes: Racemes of green-white flowers turning pink-red as the blossom ages.
Leaf attributes: In fall and winter the foliage turns burgundy with a silver overlay. During spring and summer, the foliage turns back to green with the silver overlay.
Growth habit: Rosette forming perennial.
Light: Partial sun to light shade.
Soil: Moist, humus rich soil.
Feeding: Fertilize in spring with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods: Divide in spring.
Pruning: After plants are done flowering, trim stems down to the ground to keep plants looking tidy.
Rainy Side Notes
Fringe cups have a look that could be the springboard of myths and legends. One can imagine elves and fairies sitting on the tiny-fringed flower, sipping tea and weaving magic spells along the woodland floor. Yet, no spells are needed to grow this sweet native form in our Northwest gardens.
Related to heucheras, Tellima grandiflora ‘Forest Frost’ is a superb addition to the spring woodland garden. Dan Heims of Terra Nova Nursery found this silver-splashed leaf form growing in a native population. It grows well in deep shade and tolerates drought conditions once established.
I planted T. ‘Forest Frost’ at the edge of a hedge of Viburnum trilobum (highbush cranberry) along with other woodland perennials and ferns. Another great fringe cup you can see is Tellima grandiflora.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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