Also known as Mayapple · 22 gardener saves
Podophyllum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Podophyllum, the genus most gardeners know as mayapple. We track 7 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 7 most-saved Podophyllum varieties
Of 7 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedMayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
#2 most savedSpotty Dotty Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum 'Spotty Dotty'
#3 most savedChinese Mayapple
Podophyllum pleianthum
Asian Mayapple
Podophyllum difforme
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Tai Wedding'
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum versipelle 'boreale'
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum delavayi
How to grow Podophyllum
What the Podophyllum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Podophyllum year
- MulchMarch and October100% of varieties
Apply leaf mold or compost to keep roots cool and moist
- DivideAugust and September86% of varieties
Divide established, crowded clumps in late summer or early fall
- PlantMarch, September and October43% of varieties
Plant rhizomes in moist, shaded location in spring or fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary43% of varieties
Remove old, collapsed foliage before new growth starts
- Check for PestsApril and May43% of varieties
Watch for slugs and snails on emerging foliage in spring.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to retain moisture
- Divide in early spring or fall
- Provide shade in hot climates
- Divide in early spring
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid waterlogging the soil ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun 🌞
- Avoid dry conditions
What goes wrong with Podophyllum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Slugs and snails | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick pests at night |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure proper drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Podophyllum
Division
- Dig up mature rhizomes in early spring.
- Cut into sections with roots attached.
- Plant divisions 2 inches deep in moist soil.
- Water thoroughly and mulch
Seed
- Scarify seeds and soak in water for 24 hours.
- Plant in moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination (6 weeks).
Podophyllum questions
How many types of Podophyllum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Podophyllum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 22 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Podophyllum grow in?
Across its varieties, Podophyllum covers USDA Zones 6–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Podophyllum bloom?
Most Podophyllum varieties bloom in early spring, late spring, mid-spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Podophyllum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Podophyllum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Podophyllum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
