The Story
Plant Bio
Neillia incisa is a deciduous East Asian shrub that grows four to seven feet tall, forming a dense, broad mound of arching, zigzag branches. The deeply lobed, fern-like leaves emerge reddish-bronze in spring, turn bright green for summer, and transition to rich red-purple or red-orange in fall.
The plant spreads via basal suckers, making it highly effective for stabilizing slopes and controlling erosion on banks. Small, cup-shaped, greenish-white flowers open in loose terminal clusters during late spring and early summer.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
84"
Width
108"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
- Incorporate organic matter into clay, loam, or sandy soils to improve structure and moisture retention.
- Install physical caging or fencing around young plants to protect the stems from severe deer and rabbit browsing.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, moderately drought-tolerant root system.
Pro Tip
Avoid severe shearing or formal hedging, which destroys the natural arching grace of the zigzag stems; instead, selectively remove older stems at the base in late winter.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to shape the canopy and remove dead wood.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring if growth appears sluggish.
- Provide ample lateral space to accommodate the plant's suckering and spreading habit.
Don't
- Do not plant in poorly drained soils where standing water can cause fungal root rot.
- Do not shear the outer foliage, which ruins the natural weeping form of the branches.
- Do not leave young stems unprotected in areas with high populations of rabbits or deer.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
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
Laceshrub questions
What zones can Laceshrub grow in?
Laceshrub is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Laceshrub deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Laceshrub, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Laceshrub bloom?
Laceshrub 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 Laceshrub need full sun?
Laceshrub does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Laceshrub drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Laceshrub 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 Laceshrub 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.