Bishop's-Cap

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-18 Inches

Mature Spread

6-11 Inches

Growing Zones

3 to 8

For a shade-loving ground cover with delicate flowers, look no further than the Bishop’s-Cap plant. Also commonly known as Twoleaf Miterwort, it is botanically named Mitella diphylla and is a member of the Saxifragaceae family of plants. With large, green, serrated foliage and tall, white flower spikes that bloom from spring until early summer, it is ideal for providing attractive ground cover in a shaded area.

Native to North America, the Bishop’s-Cap is suitable for growing in zones 3 to 8. Being shade tolerant, it is perfect for mass planting in a woodland area or underplanting an overshadowed area. With its clump-forming growth and perennial habit, it is easy to care for once established and low maintenance. Also grown in rock gardens, the Bishop’s-Cap looks best when planted in groups.

Bishop's-Cap Care

The Bishop’s-Cap thrives in partial shade but can also tolerate full shade. Preferring fertile and moist soil that is well drained, it can tolerate drier conditions but only once established. After planting, regular watering is required for at least the first year to prevent the soil from drying out. If grown in a medium-to-rich soil, supplementary fertilization is not generally required.

Once established, the Bishop’s-Cap tends to look after itself. However, as it prefers moist soil, it may require watering during prolonged dry spells. Once the flowers begin to fade they can either be deadheaded or left to form stunning seed heads that resemble a Bishop’s Miter hat. The seeds can be left to be distributed naturally or plants can be divided in spring.

Bishop's-Cap Spacing

Forming mounds of lush foliage, the Bishop’s-Cap will grow to a height of 12 inches and spread of 9 inches. When planting this perennial in groups, it is recommended to space plants at a distance of 12 inches.