Meehania

Meehania

Meehania cordata ( Creeping Mint )
A groundcover perennial, reaching up to 6 inches x 2 + foot, that is native to rich forests in the eastern U.S. ( from southern Ohio to southwest Pennsylvania; south to the Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee & western North Carolina ).
It spreads by runners and makes a great groundcover against larger Wood Ferns and Christmans Fern.
The corrugated, heart-shaped leaves are deep green.
The abundant, violet-blue flowers, up to 1.2 inches in length, are borne on dense clusters during late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in partial shade on moist, fertile, humus-rich soil. It is deer resistant.

* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken @ Smithsonian Inst, Wash., DC on July 11 2014

Meehania urticifolia
An attractive, deciduous to semi-evergreen groundcover perennial, reaching up to 1 foot in height, that is native to moist, mountain woodlands in eastern Asia ( from far southeast Russia to northeast China; Korea and Japan ). The stems root as they touch the ground forming a wide spreading patch.
The cordate, toothed, ovate leaves, up to 2 x 1.5 inches in size, are luxuriant glossy bright green.
The violet-blue flowers, up to 2 inches in length, are borne during late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in partial to full shade on moist, well drained soil.

'Silver Splinter'
A very attractive variegated foliage form.