Podophyllum
( pod - oh - FILL - um )
At-A-Glance Information
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This genus of flowering perennials requires partial to full shade and regular to ample amounts of water. Relatives of Barberry, these plants grow from underground rhizomes. Foliage is deeply lobed. Flowers appear on stalks with two leaves, but not stalks with just one. The flowers nestle themselves in the crux of the two leaf stems. Mid- to late-springtime blooms are white and followed by berries that are edible when they are fully ripe. Although they are edible, they can have a powerful laxative effect. These plants are commonly used as groundcovers for moist, wooded areas. Take care when planting these in your yard; all parts of the plant, except for the ripe fruits, are poisonous if ingested to humans and pets.
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Podophyllum Species and Varietals
The genus Podophyllum The best growing zones for Podophyllum vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Podophyllum delavayi (Chinese Mayapple) These plants are native to south-central China, and are very sought-after as garden ornamentals. Foliage is very mottled when it emerges in early springtime. Red flowers are produced on stems in May, and are somewhat foul-scented. These plants prefer moist, woodland conditions near running water. |
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Podophyllum grayi (Diphylleia grayi) (Skeleton Flower) This Japanese native plant reaches 1.3 feet tall and produces white flowers from May through July. After flowers fade, dark blue to purple fruits with a white bloom stay on the plant from June through August. Petals are transparent when wet, giving the plant its common name 'Skeleton Flower'. |
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Podophyllum hexandrum (Podophyllum emodi, Sinopodophyllum hexandrum) (Himalayan May Apple, Indian May Apple This species of Podophyllum is native to the Himalayas and western China, and grows well in zones 4-7 and 14-17. It reaches 1.5-2 feet tall and dark green, mottled brown foliage. Flowers are white or pink, and followed by bright red berries. |
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Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple, American Mandrake, Wild Mandrake, Ground Lemon) These plants grow in colonies and typically form a single root. Leaves are large and palmate and flowers can be white, yellow, or red. Fleshy fruits are green, turning yellow or red when ripe, and are typically made into jelly. |
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Podophyllum pleianthum (Dysosma pleiantha) (Many-Flowered Chinese Mayapple) These plants are native to southeast China and Taiwan, and are both shade-tolerant and deer resistant. |
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Podophyllum versipellis (Podophyllum versipelle) These endangered plants are native to damp, shady forests in south and west China, and grow from underground rhizomes. Leaves are green and umbrella-shaped, and flowers are tubular and dark red. Cultivar 'Spotty Dotty' (pictured) has dark brown leaf markings. |
Caring for Podophyllum
Podophyllum enjoys organically rich soil; before planting amend soil with organic material.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 521, Podophyllum
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