This deciduous, thicket-forming shrub has attractive wavy-margined leaves that resemble maple leaves and have good orange-yellow fall color. Cutleaf stephanandra grows to less than 2 feet tall but spreads by suckering. Flowers are unremarkable at a distance but attractive close-up. In winter, the rich brown, arching shoots draw the eye.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsAttractive leaves, good fall color, arching habit.
CarePlant in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Prune after flowering by cutting back shoots to strong buds. On older plants, cut back one-third to one-fifth of old shoots to the base.
PropagationStems root wherever they touch the ground, so separate them in autumn, winter, or early spring. Alternatively, take greenwood cuttings in early summer, semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or hardwood cuttings in late fall.
ProblemsInfrequent
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
D&X Garden Sprinkler
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Stephanandra
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Summer
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Flower Color : Green, White
- Uses : Ground Covers
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
