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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 24 to 36 inches
Width: 24 to 36 inches
Flower color: Dark red to maroon nodding flowers held within the foliage
Foliage color: Solid deep green leaves with a smooth surface and pronounced lobing
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Consistent moisture
Maintenance: Low; provide organic mulch to retain soil moisture and protect shallow rhizomes
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Not noted for attracting wildlife

Perennials

Podophyllum versipelle

Chinese Mayapple

Podophyllum versipelle is a woodland perennial from central and western China valued for rounded, peltate green leaves that form a calm, architectural canopy through the growing season. In mid to late spring, nodding bowl shaped flowers in burgundy to dark red are carried beneath the foliage, lending quiet color within shaded plantings and sheltered garden settings.

Rhizomatous stems extend slowly to create measured colonies, while each emerging leaf unfurls with a smooth surface and gently lobed outline.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Consistent moisture

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Rain Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Hostas · Bleeding hearts · Solomon's seal · Ferns · Lungworts · Wild ginger

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. 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)