Podophyllum pleianthum

RHS Plant Profile

many-flowered Chinese mayapple

RHS

Synonyms

Dysosma chengii
Podophyllum chengii
Dysosma pleiantha

Herbaceous Perennial

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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

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade

Aspect: North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Berberidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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