Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'
Ground elder, Variegated ground elder, Goutweed, Herb gerard, Bishop's weed, Ashweed, Ground ash
- Height × spread
- 0.3m × 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a variegated variety of ground elder; the species usually regarded as an invasive weed. It has a fresh appearance of light green leaves with irregular, white margins. The flat headed sprays of white flowers held on tall, slim stalks are a bonus above the attractive foliage. It is an excellent plant for border edging and for shady corners at the base of hedges or north-facing walls. But choose sites that will limit the plant's territorial ambitions.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green, White
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.3m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided in alternate years. Clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Trim dead flowers to prevent self-seeding
Note on self-seeding: If you do not want this plant to set seed it is necessary to promptly remove the spent flowers as they fade.
It's possible to carefully remove the seed heads, complete with seed, and then place them in areas where you would like new seedlings to grow.