Many new owners mistakenly believe I am like other perennials with moderate water needs. This is my most common point of failure. I am a bog plant by ancestry, hailing from stream banks and moist meadows. My large, soft leaves lose water rapidly through transpiration, especially on hot or windy days. When I do not receive consistent and ample moisture, my most dramatic response is to wilt into a pathetic, crumpled heap. While I may recover if watered immediately, repeated episodes of drought stress weaken me significantly, stunting my growth and making me susceptible to pests and diseases. The goal is to keep my soil consistently damp to the touch, never allowing it to dry out completely.
There is a frequent misconception that because I have such lush foliage, I must crave full sun to fuel that growth. Nothing could be further from the truth! My leaves are not equipped to handle intense, direct sunlight, particularly during the harsh afternoon hours. The excessive light and heat scorch my beautiful foliage, leaving behind crispy, brown, burnt edges and bleached-out patches. This is both unsightly and damaging to my photosynthetic capabilities. I thrive in partial to full shade, where the light is dappled or filtered. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is tolerable, but true shade is where my foliage will remain deep in color and luxuriously textured.
My tender, succulent leaves are the equivalent of a gourmet feast for slugs and snails. New owners often plant me and forget about these voracious pests until it is too late, and my leaves are riddled with unsightly holes and slime trails. This damage is not just cosmetic; it can severely compromise my health if a significant portion of my foliage is consumed. To co-exist with me, you must be vigilant. Implement protective measures from the moment I emerge in spring. This can include organic solutions like diatomaceous earth, beer traps, or regular nighttime patrols with a flashlight to hand-pick the offenders.
Where you place me is absolutely critical. The two previous points converge here: I need a cool, moist, and shaded location. Planting me in a hot, dry, sunny, and windy spot is a recipe for disappointment. I am not a plant for a baking south-facing border or an exposed rock garden. I am a choice for a shaded border, the edge of a pond or water feature, or a woodland garden. My companions should be other moisture-loving plants like hostas, astilbes, and ferns. Furthermore, I dislike having my roots disturbed or competing with large tree roots for water and nutrients, so plant me away from aggressive root systems.
