Waldsteinia geoides

Waldstenia geoides is a small perennial with a creeping habit. It can grow in all types of soil, requires no maintenance, and prefers shaded positions.  As a result, it is a favoured guest in the undergrowth and slightly neglected spaces that it spontaneously colonises. Its flowering begins in April and continues until the end of spring. Its small bright yellow flowers rise above its semi-evergreen foliage and animate this beautiful green carpet.

Belonging to the Rosaceae family, like strawberries, Waldstenia geoides shares many similarities with its cousins. Its stoloniferous stems easily root as they grow and form a carpet of semi-evergreen foliage. The leaves, dense green, are distinctly trilobed, have denticulate margins, and are often pubescent. The plant reaches reasonable proportions, 20 cm (8in) in height and 35 cm (14in) in width.  However, it spreads much more in favourable conditions, but remains manageable. From early spring, small yellow flowers appear above this groundcover. They are composed of five rounded petals arranged in a star shape. They spread widely and highlight the many stamens, which are equally lemon-colored and bright. This small hardy plant is easy to grow and not demanding. It thrives in moist, rich, ordinary, or slightly acidic substrates in a shaded positions. However, it also tolerates occasional periods of drought and full sun if its roots remain cool. Finally, it requires no maintenance.

Waldstenia geoides is an ally for gardeners who want to green up forgotten places: under trees, hedges, at the base of walls, and among large perennials. It can cover bare ground and limit the development of invasive weeds. This easy perennial also offers a lively flowering that welcomes spring with cheerfulness. Pair it with its relative: Duchesnea indica, as well as Campanula garganica or creeping bugle to vary the colours of flowers and foliage.