Stephanandra incisa Crispa

Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa' is a small bush related to spireas, with a compact and spreading habit that works wonders as ground cover. Its brown and glossy branches gracefully arch and in spring, they are adorned with deeply incised and lobed leaves, with a slightly crinkled appearance. It turns to beautiful autumnal shades, ranging from orange to yellow before falling. Its summer flowering is subtle, with small panicles of white-greenish flowers. Its cascading growth habit is what gives this low maintenance bush its charm and grace.

Stephanandra incisa belongs to the Rosaceae family and is native to Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. The 'Crispa' cultivar distinguishes itself with its reduced growth and remarkably architectural crinkled foliage. 'Crispa' forms an almost prostrate bush, not exceeding 60cm (23.6in) in height with a spread of 80cm (31.5in) to 2.5m (7ft 6in), showing fairly rapid growth.
The foliage develops on long sepia brown arching stems that can touch the ground and easily root in moist soil. It consists of diamond-shaped, finely lobed and toothed leaves, with tapered tips, pinkish-brown when they first emerge, measuring 5 to 7cm (2 - 2.8in) in length. The green foliage in summer takes on fiery tones in autumn. Flowering occurs in June-July in the form of delicate panicles, 5 to 10cm (2 - 3.9in) long, with small flowers that are more or less white, surrounded by stamens. The colour of its wood, a warm brown in winter, adds to its discreet charm.

Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa' is a subtle, simple, and easy bush, not at all demanding in terms of soil moisture, which can be cultivated in flower beds, borders, pots, or even rock gardens, in a countryside or Japanese-inspired garden. It is also useful for controlling erosion on slopes and embankments. It can be planted in front of a mass of Hydrangea paniculata, lightening its silhouette, as well as with Cornus alba. It is also an excellent ground cover in large plantations. It can be mixed with Nandina, Physocarpus, Spiraea with pink flowers or golden foliage, Aconogonon campanulatum, or Deutzia floribunda.