Overview
Darmera peltata is a clump forming bogs in the genus Darmera, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Darmera peltata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It is native to W USA.
About
Darmera peltata is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It features broad, glossy leaves that can reach widths of 45 centimeters and display red hues in the fall. Before the foliage appears, clusters of pale pink flowers emerge on elongated stems.
About the genus
Darmera is a robust perennial that creates a broad clump of large, rounded leaves supported by long stems, which attach centrally to the stalk. Before the leaves emerge, it produces rounded clusters of star-shaped flowers that are either white or pink, held aloft on tall stems.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Darmera
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Darmera peltata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- W USA
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Darmera peltata
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist or boggy soils in full sun or partial shade.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in spring or autumn, or by division in spring.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Darmera peltata?
Grow in moist or boggy soils in full sun or partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Darmera peltata?
Darmera peltata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Darmera peltata need?
Darmera peltata grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How do I prune Darmera peltata?
Cut back after flowering.
How big does Darmera peltata grow?
Darmera peltata reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Darmera peltata hardy in the UK?
Darmera peltata has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Darmera peltata?
Propagate by seed sown in containers in spring or autumn, or by division in spring.