Galax urceolata

Common Names

Galax, Beetleweed, Wandflower

Summary

Galax urceolata is an evergreen perennial native to the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, forming a low groundcover with glossy, leathery, heart-shaped leaves that stay green year round and may bronze in winter, white wand like flower clusters rise on tall stalks in late spring to early summer, and the plant slowly spreads by rhizomes to form dense colonies about 6 to 12 inches tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, thriving in cool, moist woodland sites with partial to full shade, in cultivation it prefers moist, acidic, well drained soil and protection from hot sun with consistent moisture and mulch to conserve it, plants should be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart and can be propagated by seed (stratification required; germinates in about 8 to 12 weeks) or by division, with divisions taking at least a year to flower, it is used as a woodland ground cover and valued for evergreen foliage in floral arrangements, maintenance is minimal, including pruning to remove old wood in late winter or early spring

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-15 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade, can succeed in Full Shade, and tolerate Partial Sun.

Soil Type

Moist, acidic, humus-rich, lime-free loam with good drainage

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moist loamy soil (slightly acidic, pH ~4.5–6.0; avoid waterlogging).

Soil pH

Approximately 4.5-6.0, slightly acidic.

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings (softwood and rhizome)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators