Variegated Goutweed
Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
9 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Very long-lived perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Aegopodium podagraria is an extremely vigorous, rhizomatous perennial that spreads rapidly to form a dense groundcover. It is exceptionally tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including deep shade and poor soil. The 'Variegatum' cultivar is grown for its attractive green leaves with irregular creamy-white margins, which can brighten up shady corners. However, it is notoriously aggressive and invasive in many garden settings.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site where its aggressive spread will be contained.
- It is tolerant of almost any soil type.
- Dig a small hole and place the plant at the same depth it was in the pot.
- Backfill the soil and water it in.
- Provide minimal water once established; it is very drought tolerant.
- Install a root barrier if not naturally contained.
Pro Tip
Only plant this where its spread is restricted by solid barriers like pavement or deep landscape edging, as it is extremely difficult to eradicate.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Use it in areas where nothing else will grow.
- Contain it with solid edging that goes at least 8 inches deep.
- Mow it periodically to keep it looking fresh.
- Remove the insignificant flower heads to prevent any potential self-seeding.
Don't
- Do not plant it in a mixed perennial border.
- Never dispose of cuttings or roots in a compost pile.
- Do not allow it to escape into natural woodland areas.
- Avoid tilling near a patch, as this will spread root fragments.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Variegated Goutweed questions
What zones can Variegated Goutweed grow in?
Variegated Goutweed is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Variegated Goutweed deer resistant?
Yes — Variegated Goutweed is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Variegated Goutweed bloom?
Variegated Goutweed 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 Variegated Goutweed need full sun?
Variegated Goutweed does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Variegated Goutweed drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Variegated Goutweed handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Variegated Goutweed 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.
