Native Plant Spotlight - Fringe Cup

What is Fringe Cup?

Fringe cup (Tellima grandiflora) is an easy to grow perennial in the garden. It works as a ground cover helping to compete against weeds. Fringe cup is often seen in woodland edges and near streams. It looks similar to the common ornamental plant heuchera. It grows best in shady environments with a slightly moist soil. It has heart shaped lobed leaves. In the late spring it will form upright flower spikes with small cup shaped green white flowers that fade to a light pink over time.

Fringe Cup as a Wildlife Plant

The flowers of fringe cup are often visited by a variety of native pollinators including hummingbirds and bees. This makes them a great ground cover or stand alone plant to add a pollinator garden. Fringe cup tends to be resistant to both slugs and deer making it a great addition for homes that have these pesky animal visitors.

Plant Growth Habits

Fringe cup can spread rapidly, but require little to no maintenance. It spreads quickly by self seeding and can be divided in the early spring if you want to assist the spread across the landscape. To keep the area tidy, cut back flower stocks after flowers have withered. If this plant begins to spread further than desired, consider deadheading flowers after they bloom and before seeds are formed.