Snow on the Mountain Bishop's Weed
Snow on the Mountain Bishop's Weed
A Tough Variegated Groundcover for Difficult Shade
Snow on the Mountain (Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'), also called variegated bishop's weed, is one of the toughest groundcovers around, brightening dry, shaded, root-filled ground that defeats nearly everything else with its crisp green-and-white variegated leaves. It forms an attractive, weed-smothering carpet and shrugs off drought, poor soil, and deep shade. Important: it spreads aggressively by underground runners, so plant it only where it can fill a large area or is fully contained by hard edges. Deer-resistant and bulletproof, it's a problem-solver for the toughest spots in Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum' |
| Mature Size | 8–12 in tall, spreading widely |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3–9 (fully hardy across Minnesota) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade; tolerates some sun |
| Foliage | Green and white variegated |
| Soil | Adaptable; tolerates dry shade and poor soil |
| Special Traits | Very vigorous spreader, deer resistant |
Landscape Uses
Use Snow on the Mountain to cover large, difficult shaded areas, dry slopes, and ground beneath trees, or in fully contained beds bordered by pavement, buildings, or deep edging. It is best where its vigorous spread is an asset rather than a problem. Shearing after bloom keeps it fresh.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall. It establishes quickly in almost any conditions.
How to Plant
Set plants level with the soil surface, spacing 12–18 inches apart. Water in well. Consider installing a root barrier or planting against a hard edge to limit spread.
Watering
First Year: Water 1–2 times per week to establish.
After Year One: Little supplemental water needed; it's drought tolerant once established.
Drip Irrigation: Generally unnecessary once established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it really spread that aggressively?
Yes. It's prized for tough spots but can overrun a garden, so plant it only where it's contained or where you want full coverage.
Will it grow in dry shade?
Yes, it's one of the few groundcovers that thrives in dry, deep shade.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's a Zone 3 groundcover, fully hardy statewide.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer leave it alone.
You May Also Like
For tough shade without the aggressive spread, consider our wild ginger or bugleweeds as alternative groundcovers.
How Many Snow on the Mountain Do I Need?
Space plants 12–18 in apart — this aggressive spreader fills in fast, so wider spacing is fine. Plan on roughly 0.6 plants per square foot.
| Area to Cover | Plants Needed (~15 in spacing) |
|---|---|
| 10 sq ft | ~6 |
| 25 sq ft | ~15 |
| 50 sq ft | ~30 |
Snow on the Mountain Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Fresh green-and-white variegated leaves flush out and brighten dark, shaded ground.
- Summer: Lacy white flower umbels rise over the carpet — shear after bloom to refresh the foliage.
- Fall: The variegated mat holds until hard frost.
- Winter: Dies back and rests dormant under snow, fully hardy to zone 3.
At a Glance
✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Wild Ginger — a slower native groundcover for tough shade without the spread.
- Bronze Beauty Bugleweed — a contained alternative carpet for shaded ground.
- Sweet Woodruff — a fragrant green shade carpet for adjacent beds.
- Black Negligee Snakeroot — dark-leaved height to rise above the variegated mat.
Is Snow on the Mountain Right for Your Yard?
Snow on the Mountain is a bulletproof problem-solver for large, difficult dry-shade areas where almost nothing else thrives. Be warned: it spreads aggressively by underground runners, so it's the wrong choice for a small bed near choice plants unless it's fully contained by pavement, buildings, or a deep root barrier.