Podophyllum pleianthum
many-flowered Chinese mayapple
P. pleianthemum is a rhizomatous perennial to 75cm producing star-shaped, six- to ten-lobed, glossy leaves up to 35cm across. Clusters of hanging, cup-shaped, deep red or purple flowers are produced below the leaves in summer, followed by deep red fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–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
- C & SE China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, leafy, moist soil in full or partial shade. In cold areas protect over winter with a dry mulch
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
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Sub-tropical
- Banks and slopes
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Emerging leaves are susceptible to slug damage
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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