Darmera peltata
Umbrella plant, Indian rhubarb
Also known as Peltiphyllum peltata, Darmera (Peltiphyllum Peltatum)
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a striking plant for the bog garden, just under 1m (3ft) tall. It starts the season with dome-shaped clusters of pink starry flowers that appear on long stalks before the leaves unfurl. These are a bright, healthy green and rounded with a toothy, dissected edge. If the plant has sufficient moisture, the leaves will look good all summer and go on to provide an attractive red-bronze autumn colour. Although the leaves make a substantial show, they are much smaller than the mighty gunnera and so work well in a small scale bog garden, perhaps adjacent to a pond.
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Red-bronze
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.