Culture
Best grown in peaty, fertile, well-drained but consistently moist soils in light shade. Tolerates full shade. Avoid full sun. Performs best in cool summer climates. Intolerant of drought. Propagate by division or seed. Site in locations protected from strong winds.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Deinanthe bifida, commonly called two-lobed false hydrangea, is an herbaceous perennial which typically grows to 2' tall and as wide. It is native to cool moist alpine forests in Japan. White flowers in terminal clusters (corymbs) bloom above the foliage in summer. Each flower cluster (up to 20 blooms) has both inner bisexual flowers and a lesser number of larger sterile flowers (to 1/4" diameter) which are found on the flower cluster margins. Sterile flowers attract pollinators for the smaller fertile flowers. Flowers generally resemble those of some hydrangeas. Leathery, broad ovate to elliptic, hydrangea-like leaves (4-8" long) are stalked, rough-textured and coarsely-toothed. As suggested by the common name, each leaf has two pointed lobes at the leaf tip. Although related to hydrangea, deinanthe is an herbaceous perennial whereas hydrangea is a woody shrub or vine.
Genus name comes from the Greek words deinos meaning wondrous and anthe meaning flower in reference to the flowers.
Specific epithet means cleft into two parts.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Shady woodland areas. May be difficult to locate in commerce.