Syneilesis aconitifolia

The common name says it all: large leaves look like shredded umbrellas. A group of these creates an amazing textural effect in the shade garden.

We enjoy all the changes this Aster-relative goes through from the furry, mushroom-looking spring growth to the large, shredded mature leaves to the relatively bland, pale pink summer flowers.

Easy to grow in moist, but well drained soil in part shade. Tolerates full sun in cool summer climates; tolerates full shade; tolerates drought once established. Will colonize over time.

Zones: 4 to 8

Family: Asteraceae

Type: Perennial

Height: 18 to 36 in.

Spread: 18 to 24 in.

Exposure: Part Shade to Full Shade

Soil Conditions: Rich, moist but well-drained soil

Bloom Time: June to July

Bloom Color: pink-white

Native Range: China, Korea, Japan and eastern Russia

Image Credits:

• Image 1 (spring) Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
• Image 2 (landscape) Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons