Cutleaf Stephanandra Neillia incisa

Neillia incisa, or Lace Shrub, is a perennial, deciduous shrub, with a dense and wide-spreading crown maturing to a 6 foot by 9 foot plant. It is native to Asia and, in its native habitat, often found in thickets in low mountains all over Japan or on mountain slopes, or by streams at elevations of 1600 to 3200 feet in southern China. Stephandra incisa is a synonym for Neillia incisa and is often found under that earlier name. The plant flowers in June and the seeds ripen from August to September. The foliage also provides attractive fall colors. It can be propagated from the seeds, but will also send out suckers from the base of the plant and the arching stems will form roots if they contact the soil.

Lace Shrub tolerates a variety of soils (sandy, loam, and clay), but prefers organically rich, well-drained, moist soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade, but full sun will encourage blooms. The plant should be sited where it will be protected from harsh winds. It is also easy to transplant to a pot.

The cultivar, Crispa, is probably the most common of the species in commerce. It is noted for its tough constitution and utility. It differs from the species with its dissected, crinkly foliage and low-spreading groundcover habit. The thin, dense stems spread over the ground in a tangle to only 3 feet tall and much wider. The plant becomes slightly mounded in the middle, but prostrate at the extremities. It may be used as a groundcover, foundation shrub or as draped shrub over a wall or raised bed.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or other problems.