Meehania urticifolia Flower

Among the woodland treasures of East Asia, Meehania urticifolia stands out as a graceful and curious member of the mint family. Sometimes referred to as "Japanese Meehania" or “Urticaria-like Meehania,” this perennial groundcover is admired for its soft, sprawling form, nettle-shaped leaves, and striking, tubular flowers that evoke the elegance of orchids or snapdragons. Though still rare in cultivation outside its native range, Meehania urticifolia is beginning to find favor among gardeners seeking a serene and unusual plant for shady, moist settings.

The real star of Meehania urticifolia is its flower. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the blossoms are large relative to the size of the plant and have a tubular, hooded shape typical of many mint family plants. The flowers, usually in shades of lavender to violet, display darker purple markings and white blotches on the lower lip, giving them a two-toned and almost exotic look.Each flower is held in the leaf axils along the stems, creating a charming cascade of blooms when the plant is in full flower. The overall impression is gentle and refreshing—perfect for a quiet corner of the garden where elegance and subtlety are appreciated.

The leaves of Meehania urticifolia are where it gets its specific epithet, urticifolia, meaning “nettle-leaved.” While the leaves are not stinging like true nettles (Urtica spp.), they do bear a similar shape: ovate with serrated edges and slightly rough texture. The foliage grows on square stems (a classic mint family trait) and forms a loose mat that spreads by creeping rhizomes.In spring and summer, the foliage is a rich green, lending a soothing color and texture to the shaded garden floor. In moist, humus-rich soils, the plant can slowly spread, making it useful as a natural groundcover.

Meehania is a plant that thrives in woodland settings, favoring conditions that replicate its native forest habitat.

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