Waldsteinia ternata
Waldsteinia ternata is a low growing evergreen groundcover with glossy green foliage resembling strawberry leaves and cheerful yellow flowers that appear in mid to late spring. Its dense spreading habit gradually fills open spaces with a lush carpet of greenery while adding a bright seasonal display beneath trees and shrubs.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade; tolerates full sun with adequate moisture
Soil Preference: Average to well drained soil; adaptable to a variety of soil types
Watering Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
Waldsteinia ternata is native to parts of Europe and Asia and is not native to North America. It is valued as an ornamental groundcover for its attractive foliage, bright spring flowers, and ability to form a dense carpet with relatively little maintenance.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Provides an early season nectar and pollen source for native bees and other small pollinators visiting its bright yellow flowers in spring.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow the plants to spread into a continuous carpet while minimizing gaps between established clumps.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and underplanting trees and shrubs where its glossy foliage creates a neat living groundcover. It also works well along pathways and rock walls where its cheerful yellow flowers brighten the spring landscape.
Companion Plants
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' (Siberian Bugloss) - Adds silvery foliage that brightens shady areas and contrasts beautifully with the deep green leaves.
- Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' (Japanese Sedge) - Introduces graceful arching foliage with creamy margins that complements the low growing groundcover.
- Heuchera 'Palace Purple' (Coral Bells) - Provides rich burgundy foliage that creates a striking contrast against the yellow flowers and green leaves.
- Hosta 'Halcyon' (Plantain Lily) - Offers broad blue green foliage that adds contrasting texture to woodland and shade plantings.
- Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose) - Brings late winter to spring flowers above the groundcover and extends seasonal interest in shaded beds.