Have you seen this amazing perennial which really looks quite amazing right now!? New to me only eight short years ago, Crimson Fans red-leaved Mukdenia or hand fan (Mukdenia rossii ‘Karasuba’) is an exceptional addition to the palette for our partly shaded gardens. Formerly known as Aceriphyllum rossii, it is important to note that the commonly seen name of Crimson Fans is the translation of the original trade name of ‘Karasuba’ assigned in Japan.
The primary feature of interest from this member of the Saxifragaceae is the increasingly intense reddening of the thickly textured foliage over the course of the summer (see photos). Transitional foliage coloration of herbaceous perennials is frequently under promoted and often overlooked in the garden. Crimson Fans Mukdenia, distant cousin to coral bells (Heuchera), is destined to create legions of fans with a solid contribution of ornamental features from spring emergence to hard frost. The spring flowers are pretty neat too!
Hardy from zones 4-9 (possibly to zone 3), this compact perennial is native to rocky slopes and ravines of eastern China and Korea. The naming of the genus commemorates the ancient city of Mukden, the Chinese capital city of the Manchu dynasty while the species honors British naval officer and Arctic Explorer, Sir John Ross (1777-1856). Although adaptable to a wide range of soils, it is important to note that consistent moisture is vital for the successful establishment of Crimson Fans Mukdenia. This perennial is best grown in moist, fertile and well drained soils in partly shaded locations.
The late season foliage (up to hard frost) is remarkable. The transition from the bronze-green in early spring to the glossy dark green a month later is exciting but it’s the initial hints of reddish foliage color in early summer that catches the eye as the red tinting creeps inward from the leaf edges over the course of months. The coloration is variable from year to year, between specimens and even varies annually for individual specimens. The intensity of red, likely affected by many cultural conditions, is certainly impacted by available sunlight. Specimens in considerable shade will get some degree of red on the foliage but those that receive some amount of direct sunlight during the day or consistent dappled lighting will have the most exceptional transition to a significant red by early fall. Again, specimens in the cooler, northern part of their hardiness range can tolerate full sun if given adequate moisture. The best specimens I’ve ever observed did have some degree of afternoon shading.
Seek it out at your local nurseries and garden centers!
