Overview
Podophyllum hexandrum is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Podophyllum, part of the Berberidaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Podophyllum hexandrum grows best in full shade, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Afghanistan, Bhutan, northern India, Kashmir, Nepal, Pakistan and western China.
About
Podophyllum hexandrum is a herbaceous perennial in the Berberidaceae that reaches about 0.5 m and is adapted to full shade. It prefers sandy or loamy soils that remain moist but well drained. Plant tissues are toxic, so handle with care and avoid placing where children or pets might sample foliage. Its compact height and shade affinity suit it to woodland-style planting.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sinopodophyllum
About the genus
Podophyllum is a genus of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native from Afghanistan to China, and from southeast Canada to the central and eastern United States. The genus was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Wikipedia contributors, "Podophyllum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Podophyllum
In the garden
Podophyllum hexandrum is a shade-adapted herbaceous perennial belonging to the Berberidaceae and native to high-altitude regions across Afghanistan, Bhutan, northern India, Kashmir, Nepal, Pakistan and western China. It grows to roughly 0.5 m and suits locations that mimic a woodland understorey. Give it full shade and an exposure that stays shaded through the day. Sow or plant into free-draining sandy or loamy soils that retain moisture without becoming waterlogged; it prefers consistently moist but well-drained conditions. In the UK it is fully hardy (H7), so it will withstand normal winter conditions in garden environments rated for fully hardy species. Use Podophyllum hexandrum in deep-shade borders, under deciduous shrubs or as part of a woodland garden where its modest height provides lower-layer structure beneath taller plants. Because the plant is toxic, site it away from children's play areas and from places where pets or livestock might nibble foliage. Its compact stature and strict shade requirement make it particularly suited to planting beneath larger shrubs or trees where light levels remain low and soil moisture is steady.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Podophyllum
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Podophyllum hexandrum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Bhutan, northern India, Kashmir, Nepal, Pakistan, western China
- Toxicity
- Toxic
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Podophyllum hexandrum
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Podophyllum hexandrum?
Podophyllum hexandrum prefers full shade. It suits full shade positions.
What soil does Podophyllum hexandrum need?
Podophyllum hexandrum grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Podophyllum hexandrum grow?
Podophyllum hexandrum reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Podophyllum hexandrum hardy in the UK?
Podophyllum hexandrum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Podophyllum hexandrum?
Seed, division.
Is Podophyllum hexandrum toxic?
Toxic.
More in the Podophyllum genus
- Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus'Himalayan May Apple
- Podophyllum peltatumMay apple
- Podophyllum pleianthummany-flowered Chinese mayapple
- Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinenseHimalayan May Apple