Overview
Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Podophyllum, part of the Berberidaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus' 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 'Majus' is a herbaceous perennial in the Berberidaceae that prefers full shade and grows to about 0.5 m. It is native to mountain regions from Afghanistan through the Himalaya to western China and flowers in April to May. The plant prefers sandy to loamy soil that remains moist but is well drained. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7; USDA 5–9).
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 'Majus' comes from high‑altitude areas across Afghanistan, Bhutan, northern India, Kashmir, Nepal, Pakistan and western China and is cultivated for permanently shaded, cool spots. Expect a compact habit to roughly 0.5 m tall; it reliably flowers in April to May when conditions suit. Plant in sandy to loamy soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged, and position where it receives full shade away from strong sun. This cultivar is rated H7 for UK hardiness, which means it will tolerate typical winter conditions across the country; the USDA equivalent range is zones 5–9. Good drainage is important even where the soil remains moist, so avoid heavy, stagnant wet soils. In practice, a sheltered border or a shaded ground layer beneath larger plants with consistent soil moisture gives the best results. Keep irrigation steady during dry spells: the plant prefers a moist but well‑drained substrate rather than drought. Siting it in a permanently shaded, moisture-retentive area reduces stress through warm months and helps protect the crown through seasonal changes.
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 'Majus' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Bhutan, northern India, Kashmir, Nepal, Pakistan, western China
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus'?
Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus' prefers full shade. It suits full shade positions.
What soil does Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus' need?
Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus' grow?
Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus' reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus' hardy in the UK?
Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
More in the Podophyllum genus
- Podophyllum hexandrumHimalayan Mayapple
- Podophyllum peltatumMay apple
- Podophyllum pleianthummany-flowered Chinese mayapple
- Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinenseHimalayan May Apple