Aegopodium podagraria/Bishop's Weed
While an "attractive ground cover for quickly covering large areas," Bishop's weed will behave like the vigorous spreader it is and take over. So to quote the Missouri Botanic Garden: "Avoid use of this plant in any mixed planting with other perennials such as in a rock garden or border. Best in a pure, contained planting (surrounded by natural or installed barriers) where it can be allowed to grow and spread solely as a ground cover. Can be quite effective when grown in the shade of trees or large shrubs."
Reputable sources always warn of this plant's invasiveness, with obvious reason. Tracy di Sabato-Aust warns us to "Never plant it in a perennial garden or where it can spread into one, "concluding that it's
"truly a dog that should be avoided when there are so many other great perennials." Graham Rice says it's "good for shade under trees surrounded by mown lawn" but warns: "If in doubt about planting it, don't."
The variegated type is less invasive than the species but still vigorous enough to take these warnings seriously..
Details
- Shade-lover that forms continuous mound up to 8" tall.
- Hardy in Zones 4-8.
- Flowers in May and June.
Care
- If ragged-looking by mid-late summer, shear or cut to ground, and new foliage will appear.
- Do whatever it takes to keep it in check. And good luck.
Good Information in Print
- Covering Ground
by Barbara W. Ellis - The Well Tended Perennial Garden
by Tracy DiSabato-Aust is the best-selling book on how to make your perennials healthier and better-looking. - Encyclopedia of Perennials
by Graham Rice is exhaustive and an outstanding general resource on the subject.
Location matters
I see Bishop's weed growing in the Washington, D.C area, Zone 7A. If you've grown it and want to add your two cents, drop me a note. Susan
Photo credit: Missouri Botanic Garden.