The Story
Plant Bio
Stephanandra incisa is a low-growing, deciduous shrub in the rose family, native to Japan and Korea. It is valued for its graceful, arching branches and finely dissected leaves.
'Crispa' is a popular dwarf, groundcover form with a dense, mounding habit and deeply incised, crinkled leaves. Its branches root where they touch the ground, allowing it to form a thick, weed-suppressing mat. It has attractive orange-yellow to reddish-purple fall color.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
24"
Width
48"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Medium
Native To
Japan, Korea
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in sun or shade with well-drained soil.
- Space plants 3-4 feet apart for groundcover use.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Water regularly after planting until established.
- Prune in late winter or after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
- Allow branches to touch the ground and root to form a dense colony.
Pro Tip
Plant on a slope or bank where its cascading habit and soil-holding roots can be used to full effect for erosion control.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide regular water during periods of drought, especially in full sun.
- Prune out any dead or damaged stems in early spring.
- Allow it to spread naturally to form a dense groundcover.
Don't
- Don't plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soil.
- Avoid shearing, which ruins its natural, graceful form.
- Don't worry about pests or diseases; it's remarkably trouble-free.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cutleaf Stephanandra questions
What zones can Cutleaf Stephanandra grow in?
Cutleaf Stephanandra is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cutleaf Stephanandra deer resistant?
Yes — Cutleaf Stephanandra is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Cutleaf Stephanandra bloom?
Cutleaf Stephanandra typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cutleaf Stephanandra need full sun?
Cutleaf Stephanandra does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Cutleaf Stephanandra drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cutleaf Stephanandra handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cutleaf Stephanandra with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.