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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Podophyllum delavayi

Chinese Mayapple

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade in sheltered woodland conditions

Water

Even moisture

Bloom time

Late spring

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)