Chrysosplenium macrophyllum (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Dappled shade to shade
Flowering period: Late winter
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 15cm
Eventual Spread: 1.2m
Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Saxifragaceae
Chrysosplenium macrophyllum is an evergreen herbaceous perennial with a mat forming habit. Its mid green leaves are obovate with entire margins, up to 20cm long, 12cm broad and hair on the upper surface. Its new leaves appear pink/ brown. It produces long stoloniferous runner stems which aids its spread. Its white flowers appear as rosettes which are up to 20cm across, on pink stems.
Chrysosplenium macrophyllum Leaf (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Chrysosplenium macrophyllum is native to China. In its native habitat it grows in forests in damp places and stream sides.
The etymological root of the binomial name Chrysosplenium is derived from the Latin chrysitis meaning ‘golden’ and splen meaning ‘spleen’. Macrophyllum is derived from the Latin macro meaning ‘large’ and phyllus meaning ‘leaf’.
The landscape architect may find Chrysosplenium macrophyllum useful as an effective ground cover in shady areas.
Chrysosplenium macrophyllum Stems (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Chrysosplenium macrophyllum flowers are attractive pollinating insects.
Chrysosplenium macrophyllum prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.
Chrysosplenium macrophyllum requires little maintenance.
