Overview

Podophyllum pleianthum is a perennial in the genus Podophyllum, part of the Berberidaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Podophyllum pleianthum grows best in full shade, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade garden and woodland garden. It is native to C & SE China.

About

Podophyllum pleianthum is a shade-adapted perennial from central and south-east China that produces multiple spring flowers in April to May. It stays compact, reaching about 0.3 m, and prefers full shade on moist, sandy to loamy, well-drained soils. Best sited in a sheltered, shady aspect, it needs careful handling as the plant is harmful if eaten and gloves should be worn when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Podophyllum pleianthum

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 pleianthum is a perennial native to central and south-east China that flowers in the UK in April to May. It is a low-growing plant, typically reaching around 0.3 m, and is suited to woodland-style planting where light levels are low. Give it full shade in a sheltered spot and an even supply of moisture in a sandy or loamy, yet well-drained soil; waterlogged ground should be avoided. The plant is rated H5 for the UK, meaning it is classed as hardy under British conditions but performs best where winter exposure is limited and drying winds are reduced. Use Podophyllum pleianthum in a dedicated shade garden or beneath trees and large shrubs where the soil remains moist and there is a shady aspect. It sits well alongside other shade-tolerant perennials in a woodland garden composition and provides low, spring interest. Take care when handling or siting: all parts are harmful if eaten, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when planting or dividing, and keep the plant out of reach of foraging pets and children (see HTA guidance on potentially harmful plants for contacts and further advice).

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Podophyllum

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

shady

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Podophyllum pleianthum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Height

0.3 m

Suggested uses

shade garden, woodland garden

Native to

C & SE China

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Podophyllum pleianthum

Cultivation

Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full shade. Avoid direct sunlight. Keep soil consistently moist.

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged foliage in spring before new growth appears.

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.

Frequently asked questions

More in the Podophyllum genus

• 
  Podophyllum hexandrumHimalayan Mayapple
• 
  Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus'Himalayan May Apple
• 
  Podophyllum peltatumMay apple
• Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinenseHimalayan May Apple