Lace shrub (Stephanandra incisa ‘Crispa’)

Lace shrub

Features and Characteristics

This cultivar is a dense, mounding, low-growing, deciduous shrub which typically grows 1-2′ tall (less frequently to 3′) and spreads to 4′ wide. Maple-like, deeply incised, bright green leaves (to 3″ long) turn yellow and orange in autumn. Leaves are borne on arching branches which tend to weep downward and root at the tips, particularly when soils are moist. Foliage and arching habit are perhaps the best ornamental features of this shrub. Tiny, star-shaped, yellowish-white flowers appear in loose clusters (to 5″ long) in late spring. Flowers are rather attractive on close inspection, but not particularly showy from a distance.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, acidic, well-composted soils. In ideal growing conditions, plants will spread rapidly by both root suckers and by rooting of stems ends where they touch the ground. Prune as needed in late winter. However, in light of growth habit and non-showy flowers, some gardeners prefer to shear plants to shape in late spring.

Lace shrub (Stephanandra incisa ‘Crispa’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	4 - 7
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Best as a dense, shrubby ground cover, very low hedge or foundation facer plant. Effective for erosion control on banks and slopes.

Lace shrub (Stephanandra incisa ‘Crispa’) Details

Common name	Lace shrub
Botanical name	Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa'
Plant type	Deciduous shrub
Family	Rosaceae
Hardiness zone	4 - 7
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Yellowish white
Flowering period	May - June
Height	1 - 3 ft.
Width	1 - 4 ft.