Quackin Grass Nursery

Stephanandra tanakae – The Tanakan Stephanandra is a terrific old-fashioned utilitarian workhorse-of-a-shrub that deserves more attention. It’s tough, a good looker, is virutally work-free, and will weep to the ground so densely as to stop weeds in their tracks. Attractive leaves are 3- to 5-lobed, incised and toothed. They turn a beguiling clear bright beguiling gold occasionally touched with orange in autumn remaining on the shrub for many, many weeks. Tawny stems touched with warm orange-copper gracefully arch, attractive in the winter landscape. Flowers are a creamy yellow-white, not especially large but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. Site Stephanandra tanakae in full sun to three-quarters open shade in any average to fertile draining soil. We have ours planted across the driveway from a species Oakleaf Hydrangea. The coupling in autumn is stunning; the maroon oak leaf-shaped foliage of the hydrangea contrasts beautifully with the clear golden leaves of the Tanakan Stephanandra. If ordered in autumn these will arrive pruned for next spring's arrival. Cutting grown.