Other Names:  Swamp Snakeherb

Description:

An interesting native perennial that features attractive dark green foliage on lengthy stems that will root; lavender-purple trumpet flowers appear primarily from late spring to summer; An excellent groundcover for somewhat shady and moist locations

Ornamental Features

Swamp Twinflower has masses of beautiful lavender trumpet-shaped flowers with purple spots along the stems from late spring to mid fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its small glossy oval leaves remain dark green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Swamp Twinflower is a dense herbaceous perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading
• Self-Seeding

Swamp Twinflower is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
• Bog Gardens

Planting & Growing

Swamp Twinflower will grow to be about 9 inches tall at maturity extending to 12 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 4 feet. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 3 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. This plant should not require much in the way of fertilizing once established, although it may appreciate a shot of general-purpose fertilizer from time to time early in the growing season. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by cuttings.