Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum', also known as Bishop's Weed, is an attractive and low maintenance perennial known for its striking white and green variegated foliage. This hardy plant is perfect for gardeners who need a reliable groundcover in areas that are difficult to plant or in low maintenance gardens.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 36 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
Light Requirements: Partial to full shade
Soil Preference: Well-drained, moist, and fertile soil; adaptable to most soil types
Watering Needs: Moderate; keeps its best appearance with regular moisture, but can tolerate drier conditions once established
Deer Resistance: Variegated foliage typically makes it less attractive than solid green varieties.
NATIVE STATUS
Native to Europe and parts of Asia, and while it is not native to North America, it has become widely naturalized in various regions. Its adaptability to different climates and soil conditions has made it a popular garden choice.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies & Insects
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Butterflies such as Cabbage Whites and Small Tortoiseshells can be seen feeding on the flowers, which provide an early to mid summer nectar source for adult butterflies.
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Hoverflies are drawn to the plant's blooms, helping with natural pest control by preying on aphids and other small garden pests.
Birds
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Once the flowers fade, the plant produces small seeds that can attract songbirds, including sparrows and finches, who may feed on the seeds throughout late summer and fall.
SPACING & LANDSCAPE USE
Spacing Recommendations
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Grows to a height of about 18 - 24 inches, with a spread of up to 36 inches. Space plants about 18 - 24 inches apart to allow room for them to spread without becoming too crowded.
Landscape Uses
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Shade gardens: This plant is perfect for adding texture and color to shaded or wooded areas, especially where other groundcovers might struggle to thrive. It can fill the spaces under trees or shrubs that receive limited sunlight, making it ideal for underplanting.
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Erosion control: Its dense matting habit makes it an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes or areas that are difficult to mow or manage with other plants.
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Mixed borders or woodland gardens: Use it as a backdrop in shaded garden beds, or allow it to spill out as a low growing filler among taller plants.
Invasive Potential
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Be mindful that Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum' can spread aggressively in moist environments. If not managed properly, it can crowd out other plants in the landscape. Contain its spread by planting it in areas where it has room to grow or by using edging to keep it confined.
COMPANION PLANTS
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Hostas - Hostas are excellent companions for Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum' as they thrive in similar shady conditions. Their large, lush leaves provide a striking contrast to the smaller, delicate variegated foliage of Aegopodium.
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Heuchera (Coral Bells) - The colorful foliage of Heuchera creates a vibrant contrast with the green and white variegation of the Aegopodium. Both plants thrive in moist, shaded environments and make a stunning combination in woodland gardens.
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Astilbe - Astilbe's feathery blooms pair beautifully with the groundcover foliage of Aegopodium. Astilbes are also shade loving and add vertical interest to the low growing mat of Aegopodium.
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Fern species (Dryopteris or Matteuccia) - Ferns blend well with the spreading mat of Aegopodium podagraria. The texture of ferns contrasts nicely with the variegated groundcover, creating an attractive naturalistic look in shaded areas.
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Epimedium (Barrenwort)- Epimedium is a shade loving perennial that pairs well with Aegopodium, as it provides colorful spring blooms and attractive foliage that contrasts with the variegation in Aegopodium podagraria.