Cardiandra x 'Star Power' - Cardiandra from Quackin Grass Nursery

Cardiandra x agricola 'Star Power' - This Bowen cross between C. formosana and C. alternifolia sports larger pink sepals on a wide inflorescence making for a big exploding bomb of a showy bloom approaching 6 inches diameter. As with lace cap hydrangeas to which Cardiandra is related the sterile florets ring the margins of the flower; the sexual parts fill the middle. Flowers last longer and the plant exhibits hybrid vigor, too; they are strong, sturdy and tall. Foliage is alternate lanced forest green leaves. This is a hybrid whose parentage as mentioned previously are two herbaceous members of Hydrangaceae. As with Deinanthe and Kirengeshoma, two more herbaceous Hydrangea relations these die to the crown when temperatures grow cold. 'Star Power' is a moisture glutton; constantly damp soils with fertility will suffice. Add some compost and this sweet plant will be easily contented. Give it open shade, dappled is okay. And though it displays a quiet presence with lovely flowers it is surprisingly sturdy and certainly will draw the eye when in flower. Cardiandra x agricola 'Star Power' will serve you well when planted with herbaceous woodlanders such as ferns, Asarum, Polygonatum, Trillium, Cardamine, etc. Northern gardeners would be wise to plant this beauty in spring. Established plant, cutting grown.