trefle.io · Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Antoine Desjardins (cc-by-sa)
Ericaceae
Pipsissewa
Chimaphila umbellata
Also known as Pyrola umbellata, Ground holly, Pseva umbellata, Prince's pine
Flowering Plants · Edibles & Herbs · Native Plants · Pipsissewa · Woodland · Native · Evergreen · Shade Plant · Medicinal Herb · Groundcover · Acidic Soil · Chimaphila · Forest Garden
Pipsissewa is a slow-growing, evergreen woodland subshrub that requires a very specific environment — acidic, humus-rich soil, consistent moisture, and dappled shade beneath conifers to thrive. It is notoriously difficult to transplant and establish, making it best suited to experienced gardeners recreating native woodland gardens. Historically valued for medicinal properties, its delicate nodding pink flowers are a unique reward for those who successfully cultivate it.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 3 hours
- Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged; mist surrounding area to maintain humidity · Every 5-7 days
- Maintenance
- High
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.4–7.4
- Temperature
- -25°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Cutting
Hardiness
USDA 4b-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 4 ft
- Spread
- 4 ft
- Spacing
- 12 in apart
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- Yes
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Alaska, Alberta, Altay, Arizona, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, British Columbia, California, Central European Rus, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, Denmark, District Of Columbia, Dominican Republic, East European Russia, Finland, France
- Attracts
- Bees, Moths
Sources: trefle, usda
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