While many woodland plants go dormant by late summer, this native perennial erupts into a cloud of small, starry blossoms that range from sky blue to rich lavender with creamy yellow centers. It is easily recognized by its attractive, heart-shaped (cordate) leaves at the base, which give way to airy, branching stems as it reaches for the autumn sun. It is a tough, versatile plant that bridges the gap between the end of summer and the first frost, providing a soft, cooling aesthetic to the woodland edge.
Sun Exposure Part Shade to Full Shade
Water Needs Moderate; can handle dry shade once established
Soil Type Clay, Loam, or Sand
Mature Height 2 to 3 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time September – October
Bloom Color light blue to lavender
Plant Spacing 1.5 to 2 feet
Shade Brilliance: One of the most prolific bloomers for shaded areas
Textural Foliage: The basal leaves provide a lovely, dark green groundcover early in the season before the flowering stalks emerge.
Adaptable & Hardy: Thrives in the difficult "dry shade" found under established deciduous trees where other perennials might wilt.
Potentially Aggressive Spreader: Could overwhelm small landscapes. Choose planting sites with this in mind.
Pollinator Magnet: An absolutely vital nectar source for late-season bees and butterflies
Bird Support: Like many asters, the small seeds are a favorite for foraging songbirds during the late autumn and early winter months.
Biodiversity: Acts as a host plant for several species of checkerspot butterflies and moths.
Known for its beautiful "water-spotted" foliage and unique, shimmering blooms, its name comes from the distinctive silvery-white markings on its young leaves, which look as though water has splashed across them and left a permanent stain. These markings usually fade as the summer heat sets in, leaving behind a lush, deep green backdrop. In late spring, the plant sends up clusters of delicate, bell-shaped flowers that range from white to pale lavender. The flowers feature long, protruding stamens that give them a whimsical, "fuzzy" appearance. This plant is a rapid grower that excels at filling in gaps between larger shrubs or trees, creating a dense and healthy woodland floor.
Sun Exposure Part Shade to Full Shade
Water Needs Medium to High; prefers moist soil
Soil Type Rich, moist Loam
Mature Height 1 to 2 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time May – June
Bloom Color Shades of lavender to white
Plant Spacing 10 to 12 inches
Decorative Foliage: The deeply lobed leaves provide excellent texture even when the plant is not in bloom.
Efficient Groundcover: Virginia Waterleaf spreads via rhizomes and self-seeding, making it perfect for naturalizing large areas where you want to suppress weeds.
Hardy & Resilient: It thrives in the dappled sunlight of a forest edge and is quite competitive, holding its own against more aggressive garden plants.
Can be aggressive spreader: keep this in mind when picking your planting site.
Pollinator Powerhouse: The nectar-rich flowers are a major draw for native bees, including bumblebees and masonry bees, as well as beneficial syrphid flies.
This native perennial is highly prized for its loose clusters of five-petaled, rose-pink to lavender-purple flowers that are very attractive to pollinators. Each bloom is etched with delicate fine lines that act as "nectar guides" for visiting pollinators. Unlike its cultivated cousins, the Wild Geranium is perfectly suited for the dappled light of a forest edge or a shaded garden bed, but it will do just as well in the sun!
Sun Exposure Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Water Needs Medium; prefers consistent moisture but is quite adaptable
Soil Type Rich, moist, well-drained Clay, Loam or Sand
Mature Height 1 to 2 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time April – July
Bloom Color Lavendar
Plant Spacing 10 to 12 inches
Black Walnut Tolerant
Self-Seeding Beauty: One of the most charming features is its seed pods, which resemble a crane’s bill. When ripe, they "spring" open to launch seeds several feet away, allowing the plant to naturalize beautifully without being aggressive.
Textured Foliage: The large, hand-shaped leaves provide an excellent mid-height filler that covers the ground effectively, helping to suppress weeds.
Versatility: While it loves the shade, it can handle more sun if the soil is kept sufficiently moist.
Nectar Source: A vital early-season food source for many native bees, including mining bees, mason bees, and bumblebees.
Butterfly Support: Frequently visited by several species of butterflies and skippers for its accessible nectar.
Host Plant: Serves as a host for the larvae of various moths including the White-Marked Tussock moth.