Darmera peltata (Umbrella Plant)

Grown for its unusual foliage, Darmera peltata (Umbrella Plant) is a splendid rhizomatous herbaceous perennial with large, glossy, rounded leaves, up to 18 in. across (45 cm). Paler beneath than above, the toothed and lobed leaves form a foliage mound which remains attractive throughout the growing season and turns red in the fall. They are without equal for sheer show-stopping impact. In spring before the foliage emerges, clusters of pale pink to white flowers arise on tall bare stems. Resembling Bergenia flowers, they remain attractive long after the leaves have unfurled. A spectacular plant for shaded boggy areas, along ponds and streams. Darmera peltata makes a fine marginal water plant and is most effective as a stabilizer for muddy or marshy banks. Adding drama in the garden, it performs best in cool summer climates, and does not perform well in hot and humid summer areas.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall and wide (90-150 cm).
• Performs best in part shade to full shade in moist or boggy soils. Can be grown in full sun as long as soils are kept consistently moist to wet.
• Great for beds and borders, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, bog gardens, rain gardens and along streams or ponds.
• Easy to grow, it requires very little care and is pest and disease free.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Propagate by seed sown in containers in spring or autumn, or by division in spring.
• Native from southwestern Oregon to northern California.