Podophyllum delavayi
Chinese mayapple
A rhizomatous perennial producing circular leaves up to 30cm across with deep, jagged lobes. These emerge heavily bronzed in spring, changing to very dark green mottling with age. Clusters of narrow, hanging, dark red flowers are produced below the leaves in summer, followed by black fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze Green Variegated | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green Variegated | ||
| Autumn | Green Variegated | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Podophyllum are rhizomatous perennials with lobed leaves, varying in shape from hexagon to starburst, with a central stem. The leaves are thick and textured, with prominent veins and often marbled or mottled in shades of green and brown. The flowers are cup- or bell-shaped, upright or hanging, in red, pink or white, and may be followed by red or yellow fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, leafy, moist soil in full or partial shade, sheltered from wind
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in an open frame as soon as ripe, or by division in spring or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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