Chimaphila maculata

[Nik]

Another wildflower that grows freely in our yard. Some are slightly pink.

Chimaphila maculata











 

[Vinny 123]

Extremely attractive plant. Thanks again for sharing.

[Maggi Young]

Super little plant, Nik - and one I haven't succeed in growing from seed. 

[Nik]

Hi Maggi, thanks for fixing the pictures.
I am sure you probably know all of this, but this is from pfaf.org:

"This species is difficult to propagate and grow in cultivation, mainly because it has certain mycorrhizal associations in the wild and these are necessary if the plant is to thrive. It is best to use some soil collected from around an established plant when sowing seed or planting out into a new position. "
"Seed - very difficult to germinate ... It is best sown on moist sphagnum peat. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. "

I have never tried to propagate it myself. It self-seeds and spreads on its own. Our yard has very acidic soil and in general we have very high air humidity year round. It is in shady, dry soil spots under trees. I hope this helps in your efforts.
I will try to take some pictures of the seed capsules and seeds later today (they are all mature by now, I am sure; the flower pictures are from the summer). And the nice foliage. Will post later.

[Nik]

I didn’t realize the seeds are so tiny!

[Nik]

Leaf shape and markings are quite variable between plants. I suspect it’s genetic, not habitat influence.

[Nik]

Few more

[Maggi Young]

We tried sowing the seeds in mossy areas beside where  we have other Wintergreens growing, in the hope they would share  a similar mycorrhizal association - but no luck.

I didn't realise  the  Chimaphila  could have such great  leaf variations - makes  me  like them even more! They're almost as varied as Cyclamen.   Gorgeous- thank you so much for sharing these  photos, Nik!

[Nik]

We tried sowing the seeds in mossy areas beside where  we have other Wintergreens growing, in the hope they would share  a similar mycorrhizal association - but no luck.

Maggi, don’t give up. According to University of Washington, they may need few years of stratification:

“ Sow as soon as ripe on moist peat with small amount of inoculated soil from parent site.  It is very possible however that seeds that have germinated in trials are actually seeds already within the soil seed bank rather than those collected and sown.  This suggests that extensive stratification may be required.  Efforts to germinate Chimaphila have met almost entirely with failure, therefore it may be easier to propagate from cuttings and rhizomes “

They say “almost entirely” , not “entirely”.
Best,
Nik

[MarcR]

Super little plant, Nik - and one I haven't succeed in growing from seed.  :'(

Maggi,

If you have access to E.B.Stone potting mix; it is fortified with several helpful microrhizae and bacteria. If you don't have access to it, I am willing to send you a baggie full.  The Chimaphila needs 3-7 alternating 90 day cycles of 4c and 20c.

The E.B. Stone, as it comes out of the bag is not acid enough so add some pine or fir finds.

[Maggi Young]

Maggi,

If you have access to E.B.Stone potting mix; it is fortified with several helpful microrhizae and bacteria. If you don't have access to it, I am willing to send you a baggie full.  The Chimaphila needs 3-7 alternating 90 day cycles of 4c and 20c.

The E.B. Stone, as it comes out of the bag is not acid enough so add some pine or fir finds.

Very kind of you, Marc, but I no longer have any seed.

[Nik]

Very kind of you, Marc, but I no longer have any seed.

Maggi,
If you are interested, I can collect and send you seeds later this year (November-ish). Just let me know.

[Maggi Young]

Maggi,
If you are interested, I can collect and send you seeds later this year (November-ish). Just let me know.

How kind - I'll try to remember!

[Nik]

The cold during winter intensifies the red color of the stem and the leaf base.

[Nik]

One more example (closeup).