Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Podophyllum delavayi
Chinese Mayapple
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Height
- 12 to 24 inches
- Width
- 12 to 24 inches
- Flower color
- Nodding deep red to burgundy flowers held beneath the foliage
- Foliage color
- Deep green heavily mottled and marbled with dark maroon to chocolate tones
- Bloom time
- Late spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade in sheltered woodland conditions
- Water
- Even moisture
- Maintenance
- Low; mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots while allowing foliage to die back naturally
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Not noted for attracting wildlife
About this plant
Podophyllum delavayi is a woodland perennial from southwestern China valued for umbrella like leaves marbled in deep green and bronze with intricate mottling. In mid to late spring, nodding cup shaped flowers in wine red to purple tones appear beneath the foliage, creating a jewel toned presence and slowly expanding by rhizomes.
Each leaf unfurls with a leathery surface and softly scalloped outline, lending texture through the growing season before fading in autumn as the plant enters winter dormancy. Its origins in cool mountain forests contribute to a preference for sheltered, shaded settings.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Rain Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Hostas · Bleeding hearts · Solomon's seal · Ferns · Lungworts · Wild ginger
Design tip
The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.
