Vanilla Leaf Achlys Triphylla is herbaceous perennial plant native to the mountains of the West Coast of North America. Vanilla Leaf seeds can be started indoors or directly outdoors in spring or fall. Also commonly called Deer Foot and Sweet-After-Life, this attractive groundcover spreads out through underground rhizomes to form a dense carpet of horizontally-oriented leaflets which have scalloped edges that can be finely and sharply toothed or bluntly tipped lobed. Vanilla Leaf blooms with fragrant, bottlebrush-like flowers featuring 8-20 long white stamens that form a showy 1-3 inch spike positioned above the center point of the leaves. Deer Foot plant features outstandingly decorative foliage from early spring to fall blooming with pretty white summer flowers, and its vivid autumn foliage color is also a striking garden feature. The blooming Vanilla Leaf attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The dried leaves have even more intense vanilla smell during the winter.
Vanilla Leaf makes an excellent groundcover in areas with heavy shade, or where there is shade all day from overhead trees or buildings, and it is an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Achlys Triphylla seeds are benefit from 60 days cold-moist stratification, and they germinate in 21-40 days. Once established Vanilla Leaf grows best on humus rich, moist and fertile soil in shade or partial shade tolerating clay soil and drought.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 8-16 Inches
Bloom Season: Spring/Summer
Environment: Shade/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Rich/Moist well-drained, pH 5.3-6.1
USDA Zones: 6-9
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Winter (6-8 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Fall
Seed Depth: 1/8 Inch
Germination Time: 21-40 Days
