Tellima Fringe Cups

Unusual, evergreen, shade loving beauties with fancy foliage and pretty, bell shaped, fringed blooms on tall stems. The flowers are white or pink reflexed, deeply divided petals, each just under 1cm. The blooms last a long time and can even be used in arrangements. The blooms are adored by beneficial insects as well as birds.

The scalloped leaves grow low on the stem and average around 10cm. They form a lovely, lush base for the tall flower stems. The leaves have a soft covering of hairs and mahogany veins. You wouldn’t be wrong in thinking it is a bit like a Heuchera or Tiarella, they are in the same family.

Plant in moderately fertile to humus, moist rich soil. They are happy in poorly drained sites and are adaptable enough to cope with a bit of dry once established (though not in a sunny spot – it will wilt before your eyes). A filtered light or part shade position is ideal.

Common names for Tellima grandiflora include Fringe Cup and False alumroot. It is endemic to moist woodlands and rocky outcrops of the west of USA from California to Alaska.