Whipplea modesta

Identification

Description

A semi-dec.(evergreen in coastal California) sub-shrub, trailing perennial. It makes a delightful groundcover in a coastal garden's evergreen forest. Flowers are inconspicuous but most of the year the plant looks as if it is going to burst into a great show. I though it was not native but a garden escape when I saw it between Willits and Ft. Bragg growing in open areas in the evergreen forest, but it was! Use it in place of low junipers within its range of Monterey to Seattle. It likes good soil, drainage, some shade and regular garden water. Mix with Heucheras, Satureja Douglasiana, Iris douglasiana, Mahonia pinnata or Cornus stolonifera if you want spicy variety Excellent for the moist shady spot that you need a small groundcover in, but can't think of anything but Azaleas.