Lace Shrub is a deciduous member of the Rosaceae family that earns its common name from the deeply incised, maple-like foliage that creates an airy, delicate texture. This cultivar of Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa' grows as a dense, mounding shrub reaching 1 to 3 feet tall and spreading up to 4 feet wide, making it surprisingly compact despite its spreading tendency. Hardy in zones 4 through 7, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and produces tiny star-shaped yellowish-white flowers in May and June. The bright green leaves turn brilliant yellow and orange in autumn, while the naturally arching, weeping branches create an elegant silhouette year-round. Its low-maintenance nature and erosion-control abilities make it a thoughtful choice for gardeners seeking ornamental structure without demanding care.
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-7
36in H x 48in W
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High
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The foliage is the true star here: deeply cut, bright green leaves create a lacey effect that few shrubs can match, and the arching branches weep downward with such grace that they'll root themselves wherever they touch moist soil. In autumn, the entire plant glows with warm yellows and oranges. Unlike many ornamental shrubs, this one asks very little of you once established, tolerating both sun and shade while slowly spreading to anchor slopes and borders with its dense growth habit.
Lace Shrub excels as a hedge or border planting, particularly in situations where erosion control matters. Its low, spreading habit and dense foliage make it valuable for holding soil on slopes and embankments. The arching, weeping form also works well as a specimen shrub where gardeners want to showcase the delicate foliage texture and graceful branching habit.
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Prune Lace Shrub in late winter to remove dead wood and maintain the desired shape. Some gardeners prefer a light shearing in late spring after flowering finishes, which tidies the plant while preserving its natural weeping habit. Because the tiny, star-shaped flowers are not particularly showy, many gardeners prioritize foliage and branching form over bloom and choose to shape the shrub to highlight its elegant, arching growth pattern rather than wait for flowering.
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