Vancouveria

( van - koo - VEER - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This delicate perennial flowering plant needs partial shade and moderate to regular water. They are commonly used as groundcover in shaded areas, and have creeping underground stems. In late spring or early summertime, drooping clusters of white flowers form on thin green stems. These plants form sizeable swaths given time. They are commonly called Inside-Out Flowers, and all species are endemic to the West Coast of the United States. 

Vancouveria Species and Varietals

The genus Vancouveria includes just three species, and is a member of the plant family Berberidaceae. The genus is named for English navigator and explorer George Vancouver. Vancouveria growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information, see the following descriptions. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Vancouveria chrysantha (Golden Inside-Out Flower, Siskiyou Inside-Out Flower)
This species grows best in zones 5, 6 and 14-17; it is native to the mountains of southwestern Oregon and far northern California. It reaches 16 inches tall and has bronzey greyish-green leaves and bright yellow flowers. Blooms pop in spring and summertime.

​Vancouveria hexandra (White Inside-Out Flower, Duckfoot)
This species grows best in zones 4-7, 14-17 and 19-24. It is native to the coastal forests of Northern California to Washington, where it is a commonly seen understory herb in moist, shaded Douglas Fir forests. It reaches a between 8 and 16 inches tall and has light green leaves and white flowers. It will die back in winter. The common name 'Duckfoot' refers to the shape of the leaves.

​Vancouveria planipetala (Vancouveria parviflora) (Inside-Out Flower, Redwood Inside-Out Flower, Redwood Ivy)
Zones 4-7 and 14-17; native to coastal California and southern Oregon. Grows to 2 feet tall and has medium green leaves and clusters of white flowers in May and June. May die back in wintertime in frosty conditions. These plants are wonderful for native and wildlife gardens.

Caring for vancouveria

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Vancouveria
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 645, Vancouveria
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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