Cutleaf Stephanandra
stephanandra incisa
Also known as: ["Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa'"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with fine, dissected foliage and arching branches, valued for its ornamental appeal and autumn color.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Stephanandra |
| Botanical Name: | Stephanandra incisa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: border plantings, woodland gardens, or as a ground cover
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; suitable for acidic to neutral pH.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun with afternoon protection); adaptable to dappled light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to avoid scorching; protect from harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and reduce watering in dormancy.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic loam
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, enrich with organic matter, and maintain slightly acidic conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; tolerates cold winters down to -25°F (-32°C); prefers cool temperatures in summer, ideally below 75°F (24°C).
Protect from frost in early spring; avoid placing near heat sources in winter; monitor for heat stress in summer.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly in spring, avoid over-fertilizing, and water before applying to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer or layering in spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; late winter or early spring for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, and well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy and heading cuts to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, and disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/damaged stems, shape the plant, clean up debris, and dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare fresh soil, inspect roots, prune if necessary, repot carefully, water lightly, and adjust light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the foliage; allow excess water to drain to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during growing season; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; delayed growth or browning in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop, growth slows, and buds may fail to open in extreme cold without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dry conditions.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase humidity, and water deeply during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, water before and after, stop in late summer.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicStephanandra incisa is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicStephanandra incisa is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicStephanandra incisa is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Stephanandra incisa have invasive tendencies?
A: No, it is not considered invasive and is well-behaved in garden settings.
Q: How should Stephanandra incisa be pruned?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Stephanandra incisa?
A: It thrives in partial shade with well-drained, moist soil and benefits from protection from strong winds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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