Crimson Fans Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba'
ABOUT
Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba', more commonly referred to as Crimson Fans, is an ornamental plant noted for its distinctive and attractive foliage. The leaves of this plant are broad and palmately lobed, resembling a fan in shape, which contributes to the common name. The foliage emerges a bright green in spring and as the seasons change, the leaves develop a striking bronze-red color which becomes more pronounced in different seasons. This color change adds significant interest and appeal to garden spaces, making the Crimson Fans a sought-after cultivar for its decorative leaves. The blooms of the Crimson Fans are small, bell-shaped flowers that appear on the plant in clusters. These flowers, although not as showy as the leaves, add a complementary charm when they reveal themselves. Typically, the bloom color is a delicate white or light pink, nestling within the foliage and providing a soft contrast to the robust leaf coloration. Overall, the Crimson Fans has a mounded, clumping growth habit that is aesthetically pleasing in a garden setting. Its variegated leaves that change color with the seasons are its signature characteristic, often inspiring the use of this plant in garden design for its year-round visual interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Crimson Fans, Red-leafed Mukdenia.
Common names
Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba'.
ToxicityTo humans
Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba', commonly known as Karasuba Mukdenia, is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of poisoning from ingestion and it is generally considered safe in a garden setting. If any part of the plant is ingested, it is unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset, though individual sensitivities can vary.
To pets
Karasuba Mukdenia is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered to be a pet-safe plant, and there are no specific reports of toxicity in animals such as cats and dogs from ingesting this plant. As with humans, individual animals may have sensitivities, but no severe symptoms of poisoning are expected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The dramatic red-toned foliage of Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba', commonly known as Crimson Fans, provides striking visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant offers multi-season appeal, with foliage that changes color throughout the seasons, from green in spring to shades of red and bronze in the fall.
- Low Maintenance: Crimson Fans is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal upkeep once established in suitable growing conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: After establishment, this plant exhibits a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping in some regions.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in partial shade, making it an ideal addition to woodland gardens or other shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit can help with soil stabilization and provide a lush ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing garden maintenance.
- Cold Hardy: Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba' is relatively cold-hardy, allowing it to be grown in regions with cooler climates and to withstand frosts.
- Attracts Pollinators: While not its primary attribute, the flowers of Crimson Fans can attract pollinators such as bees, contributing to the health of the garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba', commonly known as Crimson Fans, can be used in container gardening to add a unique texture and color gradient as the leaves change from green to red.
- The plant's dense foliage can create a lush ground cover in shady spots where grass might struggle to grow.
- Crimson Fans can be planted under deciduous trees for a seasonal display of foliage as the light conditions change from spring to autumn.
- The plant can be used along borders and pathways in woodland gardens, providing an attractive edge that shifts in color throughout the year.
- Due to its striking foliage, Crimson Fans can serve as a conversation piece when used in a rock garden or alpine garden to contrast with more traditional rockery plants.
- The plant can be incorporated into rain gardens due to its tolerance for a range of soil moisture conditions, providing both aesthetic and environmental benefits.
- Crimson Fans are useful in butterfly gardens, as their flowers can attract pollinators while also adding color and variety to the planting scheme.
- The contrasting coloration of the foliage makes it a valuable addition to cut flower arrangements, even though the plant is not typically grown for its blooms.
- In landscape design, Crimson Fans can be used as a natural marker for seasonal changes because it acts as a visual indicator of the onset of cooler temperatures as its leaves change colors.
- For educational purposes, the plant can be used in school gardens to teach children about plant growth habits and the relationship between climate and foliage color changes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mukdenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mukdenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba', commonly known as Crimson Fans, often symbolizes resilience because of its ability to thrive in a wide range of soils and its resistance to many garden pests.
- Transformation: The crimson color transformation of its leaves from green to red during the fall is symbolic of change and the beauty inherent in transformation.
- Rarity: As a less commonly known plant, the Crimson Fans can symbolize uniqueness or rarity, reflecting the special nature of a person or situation.
- Harmony: The way the plant blends its colors and shapes can symbolize harmony in diversity or the balanced integration of different elements.
WaterCrimson Fans should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil, especially during dry spells or in the summer months. It's ideal to water the plant deeply once a week, applying about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for an established plant, or approximately 16 to 24 ounces for smaller, newly planted specimens. Adjust the amount based on rainfall and check the soil moisture by feeling the top inch; it should feel slightly damp but not waterlogged. Overwatering can be as detrimental as under-watering, so ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. During winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture while dormant.
LightCrimson Fans prefer partial shade, thriving in conditions that offer some respite from the intense, direct afternoon sun. The best spot for the plant would be in dappled sunlight, such as that filtered through the canopy of larger trees. Protecting the delicate foliage from harsh light helps to maintain its vibrant color and prevents scorching, ensuring the leaves stay healthy and attractive.
TemperatureCrimson Fans do best in moderate temperatures and are hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and are comfortable in the summer when conditions do not consistently exceed 85°F. The ideal temperature would range from 50°F to 75°F, providing a suitable environment for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Crimson Fans is primarily for removing dead or damaged foliage and is best done in the spring before new growth begins. Cut back any brown or withered leaves to the base of the plant to encourage fresh growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Seasonal pruning can be performed after the leaves have fallen in autumn or before new leaves appear in spring. Regular pruning is not necessary; just occasional trimming to keep the plant in good condition.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCrimson Fans needs well-draining soil with organic matter, preferring a pH of 5.5-7. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and perlite or pine bark would suffice to maintain moisture without waterlogging.
RepottingCrimson Fans should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. It's best done in spring when the plant is beginning to grow.
Humidity & MistingCrimson Fans thrives in moderate humidity levels; ideally, maintain around 40-50% relative humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Crimson Fans in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Use partial shade and moist, rich soil for Crimson Fans outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleMukdenia rossii 'Karasuba', commonly known as Crimson Fans, typically begins its life cycle as a seed, which will germinate under the appropriate temperature and moisture conditions, preferably in spring. The seedling matures into an herbaceous perennial with distinctive fan-shaped leaves that display an interesting reddish-bronze hue in autumn. Throughout spring and summer, the plant will develop small, white flowers on sprays that rise above the foliage, propagating the species if pollinated by insects which can lead to seed production. As a perennial, the above-ground structures die back to the ground in winter; however, the plant survives through its rootstock, which stores energy for the next growing season. During each growing season, the plant slowly expands through creeping rhizomes, forming a more extensive clump. Year after year, Crimson Fans will continue this cycle, given appropriate seasonal care and environmental conditions, experiencing growth, reproduction, senescence, and dormancy in an ongoing succession.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba', commonly known as Crimson Fans or Karasuba Mukdenia, is best propagated by division. This should preferably be done in the spring, just as the plant emerges from dormancy and the new growth begins to appear. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one growth bud. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at previously, spaced about 12 to 15 inches (about 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method allows the plant to recover quickly and continue growing with minimal stress.
