Mitella Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 28th Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Mitella plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Bishop's Cap, and Miterwort: Cultivation & Garden Use

Mitella are small hardy perennial woodland plants that reach a height of about 30 cm (12 inches).

This makes them ideal for use in either a rock or woodland wildflower garden.

Mitella plants have heart shaped leaves and minute tubular flowers of greenish white that bloom in spring and summer.

Some of the common names for Mitella include Miterwort and Bishop's Cap.

Mitella diphylla (Bishop's Cap) photograph by wackybadger.

Mitella trifida picture by Brewbooks.

How to Grow Mitella

Miterwort is usually grown from runners, these can be planted in the autumn or spring. Space at approximately 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10 inches) apart.

If you plan to grow Mitella wildflowers from seeds, then do so outdoors.

Sow at a depth of 7 mm (1/4 inch), using fresh seed in summer.

Miterwort likes to grow in a location that is in a shady or partially shaded area of the garden.

Plants require a rich and acidic soil that should be moist.

Caring for Mitterwort

Once growing it is best to keep the soil that Bishop's Cap, Miterwort, and other Mitella are growing in as moist as possible by regular watering.

Mitella are not the strongest of plants and do not like competition. So give them their own space to grow in and weed thoroughly and carefully around the plants.

If you require more plants, take them from the runners, or divide the plant at the start of spring.

Common Questions

How many members does the Mitella genus contain?

The Mitella genus contains around 20 species, commonly referred to as Bishop's Cap or Miterwort.

Do Mitella members make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Mitella species are charming woodland plants that make lovely additions to shaded garden areas, particularly rock gardens or borders.

Which Mitella species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The species Mitella diphylla (Two-leaf Miterwort) and Mitella nuda (Naked Miterwort) are often grown for their unique, starry flowers.

Are Mitella plants fragrant?

While Mitella plants are not known for their fragrance, they are highly valued for their delicate, interestingly shaped flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Mitella?

Mitella prefers shady to partially shady locations with cool, moist, well-drained soil. They are ideal for woodland or rock gardens.

Is Mitella invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, there's no indication that Mitella species are invasive in the USA. They are native to North America and fit well in local ecosystems.

How do I remove Mitella plants from my garden?

If you need to remove Mitella, they can be gently dug up, ensuring that you get the entire root system to prevent regrowth.

The Mitella genus, belonging to the Saxifragaceae family, includes perennial plants commonly referred to as Bishop's cap. They are known for their star-shaped flowers and the ground-covering ability of some species.

Mitella plants prefer a location with part to full shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They can be planted in the spring or fall. Regular watering is necessary to maintain soil moisture. With their delicate foliage and flowers, they make an excellent addition to woodland or shade gardens.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow grow Mitella plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Fothergilla gardenii, Campanula plant, and Rosemary plants.