Diphylleia cymosa (Umbrella Leaf)

Enhancing the woodland or shade garden, Diphylleia cymosa (Umbrella Leaf) is a clump-forming rhizomatous perennial bearing two huge rounded leaves adorned with 5-7 toothed lobes. Resembling umbrellas, they arise from a thick rhizome and bring bold texture to the garden all summer long. Charming dome-shaped clusters of white flowers with six petals appear above the foliage. Borne at the tip of slender green stems, each cluster can hold up to 10-24 flowers. The blossoms are followed by eye-catching indigo blue berries on deep red peduncles in the fall. They contrast nicely against the yellowing foliage. Easy to grow and low maintenance, this southeastern US wildflower requires cool nights and consistent moisture to perform well. Strikingly handsome, it is useful as an ornamental woodland groundcover plant.

• Grows in clumps up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm). This understory plant has slender rhizomes that spread gradually, forming dense colonies over time.
• Easily grown in organically rich, moist soils in part shade or full shade. Tolerates clay and resents drying out in summer. Provide regular watering during dry weather. A sheltered location with part shade is ideal.
• Great for shade gardens, woodland gardens, underplanting shrubs or roses, or along ponds and streams.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seed in fall or division in spring.
• Native to the southeastern United States from Virginia to Georgia.