General Culture:
Best grown in organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Performs well in full sun in the north, but generally prefers some shade (particularly in the heat of the afternoon) in the south. If grown in full sun, consistent moisture is important. Scorch and general foliage decline tend to occur if soils are allowed to dry out. Remove stems of faded flowers to encourage additional bloom. Some gardeners prefer to remove flower stems before flowering if plants are being grown as ground covers for their foliage texture and color. Foliage is essentially evergreen in warm winter climates. In cold winter climates such as St. Louis, the amount of retained foliage color depends in large part upon the severity of the temperatures. A winter compost mulch applied after the ground freezes will help prevent root heaving. Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
DOLCE BLACKCURRANT is a vigorous, clump-forming coral bells cultivar that features purple leaves with silver accents. The lobed, rounded leaves form a basal mound to 12” tall. Tiny insignificant flowers appear in spires in late spring on slender stems rising above the foliage mound to 16” tall. U. S. Plant Patent Applied For (PPAF).
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Frost heaving of roots may occur when winter temperatures fluctuate widely.
Uses:
Mass as a ground cover or group. Rock gardens, borders and open woodland gardens. Effective as an edger along paths or walkways. Containers.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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