Snow-on-the-Mountain

Bishop's Weed

Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'

ee-guh-POH-dee-um pod-uh-GRAR-ee-uh
8 to 12 in.
1 to 2 ft., spreads by rhizomes

moderate

white

summer

8 to 12 in.

1 to 2 ft., spreads by rhizomes

No

Europe

part shade, shade

USDA zones 3-9

hardy to 9,500 ft.

Snow-on-the-mountain is an aggressive, fast-growing plant that is capable of forming a thick groundcover in part shade or full shade.

Although it produces small white flowers in flat umbels, its main ornamental feature is its variegated leaves. The leaves have medium green centers and creamy white margins.

If planted amongst other plants, its aggressive nature will outcompete other flowers and groundcovers. Plant it in an area where you don't mind it taking over and spreading. Can be effective for covering the ground under trees, if watered regularly.

moderate

white

summer

8 to 12 in.

1 to 2 ft., spreads by rhizomes

No

Europe

part shade, shade

USDA zones 3-9

hardy to 9,500 ft.

Snow-on-the-mountain is growing in the shade of building at the Xeriscape Garden. It has filled in to create a solid groundcover underneath a golden raintree.

Occasionally the leaves have scorched on the edges during drought conditions. It has always been quite resilient and outgrown any adverse conditions.

Snow-on-the-mountain requires little maintenance. If the leaves scorch on the edges in a dry spell, it can be sheared to the ground to encourage a flush of new leaves.

Cut dead stems to ground level in spring before new growth begins.