Phedimus spurius 'Fulda'

Named for the German city of Fulda, Phedimus spurius 'Fulda' is a dark-leaved selection that makes its case through straightforward intensity: deep red-bronze foliage through much of the growing season, with crimson flowers appearing in summer that match the overall mood of the plant. It forms a spreading mat with the familiar scalloped spurius leaf shape, deepening in color as summer heat and sun exposure build. In a mass planting on a hillside or slope in midsummer, the effect is genuinely impressive.

Hardy to Zone 3 and well-suited to Pacific Northwest gardens on both sides of the mountains. Full sun brings out the richest coloration — shade will green the foliage considerably and reduce the contrast with the summer flowers. It's a robust grower that covers ground efficiently, making it a practical choice for hillside plantings, slopes, and large rock garden areas where you want reliable coverage and seasonal color interest. In the Pacific Northwest, where summer brings long days and warm light that makes deep-colored foliage glow, 'Fulda' has a particular appeal from July through September. Pair it with silver-gray companions or chartreuse groundcovers for contrasts that do the work.