Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Darmera peltata
Umbrella Plant
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Height
- 3-5 feet
- Width
- 3-5 feet
- Flower color
- Pale pink to white
- Foliage color
- Bright green, turning to shades of red and bronze in the fall
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- High, prefers consistently moist soil
- Maintenance
- Low
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
About this plant
Darmera peltata, commonly known as Umbrella Plant, is an unusual perennial native to the western United States, particularly Oregon and California. It thrives in shaded environments, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and waterside plantings. Its large, bold foliage, which can grow up to 24 inches in diameter, is round with a slightly lobed, umbrella-like shape and turns striking shades of red and bronze in the fall. In early spring, before the foliage emerges, it produces clusters of pink flowers on tall, naked stems. The blooms contrast beautifully with the bold foliage, creating a two-season display. Darmera peltata pairs well with other shade-loving plants such as hostas, ferns, and astilbes, creating a lush and textured garden display, and its spreading habit makes it suitable for naturalizing in shaded areas.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens
Companion plants
Lungworts · Wild ginger · Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras
Design tip
Spring bloom is its headline moment, and it reads best in a group rather than as a single plant. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
