Simply a great foliage plant for shade, Podophyllum pleianthum has large glossy leaves, shallow lobed and very attractive. Sometimes called the Chinese Mayapple, the plant originates in China and nearby countries.
The flowers are red and are mostly hidden below the leaves. This is a candidate to plant along a low retains wall in a shaded area where the flowers and foliage are raised closer to eye level.
Uses
This is an outstanding foliage plant for shade. It is best planted where it has room to show off the foliage and also room to spread a little.
Excellent in a shady courtyard grown in the ground or in a container.
How To Grow Podophyllum pleianthum – Basic Care
This is a plant for shade, it grows well in a humus rich moist soil and can be grown in containers. Being one of the Asian species it grows well in cool/warm to temperate climates.
Provide moisture, good deep soil and shade and this is a very easy care plant.
- Choose a position in filtered light to moring sun and afternoon shade.
- Amend the soil before planting by adding organic matter such as compost and leaf mold.
- Mulch around the plant adding some slow release fertiliser once the plant is established.
- Water well through the first summer.
Ongoing Care
Pruning.
Not required.
Fertiliser
Mulch around the plant with compost and some aged cow manure during winter. Mulch again once new growth appears and water with a a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
Propagation
Easy from seed, or by division of established clumps in winter while dormant. Te plant itself will naturally spread by underground rhizomes.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Podophyllum pleianthum (syn. Dysosma pleiantha)
- Common Names – Chinese mayapple
- Origins – Taiwan and China
- Position – Dappled shade.
- Soil – Humus rich well draining soil.
- Height – Around 50 cm
- Spread – Individual leaves to around 30 cm across, forms a clump over time
- Growth Rate – Slow to Medium.
- Foliage – Deep green,
- Flowers – Red, followed by red to yellow fruit and then seed pods.
- Flowering Time – Mid to Late Spring.
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought tolerant – No
Podophyllum pleianthum is available for sale from the following nurseries
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au