Overview
Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinense is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Podophyllum, part of the Berberidaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinense 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 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 var. chinense is a shade-loving herbaceous perennial in the Berberidaceae, native to highland areas of Afghanistan, Bhutan, northern India, Kashmir, Nepal, Pakistan and western China. Mature specimens reach roughly 0.5 m and produce their single-season display in April to May when pale pink flowers appear. Give it a permanently shaded spot with a moist but well-drained soil; sandy or loamy mixes suit it best. Avoid positions that dry out in summer or sit in standing water. It is rated H7 for UK hardiness (fully hardy) and corresponds approximately to USDA zones 5–9, so it tolerates cold winters but dislikes drought. Use it in a cool, sheltered border beneath deciduous trees, alongside other woodland perennials, or where north- or east-facing shade keeps conditions damp. Plant with spring bulbs or ferns that die back later, so the may-apple’s spring flowers are not overshadowed. Expect the pale pink flowers in April–May to be the most conspicuous seasonal feature of this plant.
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 var. chinense 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 var. chinense?
Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinense prefers full shade. It suits full shade positions.
What soil does Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinense need?
Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinense grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinense grow?
Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinense reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinense hardy in the UK?
Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinense has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Podophyllum genus
- Podophyllum hexandrumHimalayan Mayapple
- Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus'Himalayan May Apple
- Podophyllum peltatumMay apple
- Podophyllum pleianthummany-flowered Chinese mayapple
