Cutleaf stephanandra (Stephanandra incisa ‘Crispa’) stef-ah-NAN-drah in-SY-sah Genus:  Stephanandra This decidous, thicket-forming shrub has attractive wavy-margined leaves that resemble maple leaves and have good orange-yellow fall color. Cutleaf stephanandra grows to less than 2 feet tall but spreads by suckering. Flowers are unremarkable at a distance, but attractive close-up. In winter, the rich brown, arching shoots draw the eye. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Attractive leaves, good fall color, arching habit. Care:  Plant in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Prune after flowering by cutting back shoots to strong buds. On older plants, cut back one-third to one-fifth of old shoots to the base. Propagation:  Stems root wherever they touch the ground, so separate them in autumn, winter, or early spring.  Alternatively, take greenwood cuttings in early summer, semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or hardwood cuttings in late fall. Problems:  Infrequent.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Runs Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Foliage Bloom Time Early Summer, Summer Flower Color Green, White Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Shrubs