Bishop's weed (Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum')

Overview

Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’, commonly known as Bishop’s weed, is renowned for its ability to rapidly cover large expanses of ground with attractive foliage. This herbaceous perennial provides year-round interest, defined by its light green leaves edged in creamy white variegation. Gardeners prize it for its speed in establishing a dense mat, making it an excellent solution for bare or difficult areas.

While Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ is highly effective as a ground cover, its aggressive nature requires careful management. It spreads vigorously via underground rhizomes, necessitating containment if planted near manicured garden beds. The variegated form is generally slightly less vigorous than the all-green species, but vigilance is still crucial to maintain the desired aesthetic.

This plant thrives in a variety of conditions, offering high performance in challenging spots like dry shade. Though it produces small white flowers in late spring, its primary visual appeal centers on the foliage pattern that brightens shady borders. Successful cultivation relies on addressing its spread potential and monitoring for reversion to the greener, more vigorous type.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Apiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Start planting Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ in average, well-drained soils. The plant is highly adaptable and tolerates a wide range of soil types, but it performs exceptionally well in dry to medium moisture conditions. While full sun is tolerated, foliage may scorch in intense, hot, dry sun; part shade is often ideal, especially in warmer regions like the St. Louis area.

Maintenance for this Bishop’s weed selection involves managing its spread and aesthetics. Because it spreads aggressively via rhizomes, install mechanical barriers or limit planting to self-contained areas to prevent unwanted encroachment. If the foliage declines significantly by mid-summer, the entire planting can be sheared, or even mowed on a high setting, to remove unsightly leaves and stimulate fresh growth.

Gardeners should actively scout for any unvariegated, all-green shoots that appear, as these revertants are often more vigorous and can quickly overwhelm the desired variegated plants. Prompt removal of these plain green shoots is essential to preserve the appearance of Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’. Flower heads can also be removed to reduce self-seeding if keeping the ground cover tidy is a priority.

Landscape Uses

The primary role for this vigorous perennial is as an effective, rapidly established ground cover. Due to its aggressive spreading habit, it should be avoided in mixed perennial borders or rock gardens where it might smother less assertive neighbors. The best application for Bishop’s weed is in dedicated, contained plantings where its dense mat is desired to suppress weeds and stabilize soil.

Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ is particularly effective in large, informal areas or beneath established trees and large shrubs where dense shade prevails. Its bright, creamy-margined foliage provides excellent contrast in deep shade pockets where other ground covers might fade to dull green. Always plan to install a physical or natural barrier to manage the spread of this potent spreader.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Aegopodium podagraria, commonly called bishop’s weed or goutweed, is one of the most popular ground covers for quickly covering large areas. Will rapidly form a continuous mound of attractive foliage typically growing to 8” tall with an indefinite spread. The cultivar ‘Variegatum’ features basal foliage that is light green with creamy white margins; to retain this form, gardeners must remove any more vigorous, all-green reverting plants.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Heavy Shade
• Erosion

Potential Problems

Leaf blight is a recognized issue for this plant, typically causing problems during hot, humid summers which can lead to foliage decline by mid-season. The most significant management challenge, however, is its aggressive spreading via rhizomes; this growth habit causes Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ to be considered invasive in certain areas of the United States, so gardeners must check local regulations before planting. To manage summer decline, shearing or mowing high can revitalize the planting by stimulating fresh, clean foliage growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Bishop’s weed suitable for?

Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9.

How large does Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ grow?

This perennial typically reaches a mature height between 0.5 and 1 foot and spreads between 1 and 1.5 feet wide, though its spread is often indefinite without control.

What sun exposure does Bishop’s weed need?

It prefers full sun to part shade, but gardeners should be aware that excessive heat coupled with full sun may cause the foliage to scorch.

When does Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ bloom?

This plant produces its small white flowers in flat-topped umbels, typically appearing between May and June.

Conclusion

Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ remains a landscape powerhouse for quickly covering difficult, shady, or dry areas with bright, variegated texture. While its speed is advantageous, consistent vigilance against its aggressive rhizomes and the removal of any all-green reversion are keys to long-term success with this Bishop’s weed selection. Before planting, confirm its appropriateness for your local environment and plan for necessary containment strategies.

Companion Planting

Where containment is planned, pairing this vigorous ground cover with other resilient, tough specimens can achieve a stable design. Consider robust, deep-rooted shrubs whose established canopy prevents neighboring species from competing too heavily with the spreading Bishop’s weed. This allows the variegated foliage of Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ to form a clean, bright carpet beneath larger structural plantings.

Design Ideas for Containment

For gardeners intent on using this fast-spreading perennial, deliberate incorporation of barriers is essential. Consider planting Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ within sunken plastic edging or beneath flagstones whose edges are tightly butted together. This strategic use ensures the excellent ground-covering abilities of the ‘Variegatum’ cultivar are utilized without allowing it to escape containment and overwhelm adjacent garden zones.