When we tucked some Mukdenia 'Karasuba' into our garden last fall, we really didn't know what to expect. My husband had been intrigued by it in a catalog, but we had never seen it growing (or would have known what it was if we did see it). But now we know.
The Mukdenia started sending up clusters of little pinkish buds in late March. (We put row covers over them when we had several hard frosts just to make sure we actually saw them bloom.)
The Mukdenia started sending up clusters of little pinkish buds in late March. (We put row covers over them when we had several hard frosts just to make sure we actually saw them bloom.)
Over time, the buds began to open into tiny white flowers with maroon anthers.
And eventually, the rest of the foliage caught up as well, forming bright green clumps of hellebore-like leaves.
It's now late April, and we can still see the white flowers among the foliage, although at this point they're a little more subdued.
In the fall, the leaves become tipped with red, giving the plant year-round interest.
In the fall, the leaves become tipped with red, giving the plant year-round interest.
Mukdenia is a native plant in Chinese woodlands, and takes its name from the city of Mukden in Manchuria...hence the blog title!
