The Story
Plant Bio
Darmera peltata, commonly known as Indian rhubarb or umbrella plant, is a perennial native to the western United States. It features large, umbrella-like leaves and produces spikes of small, pinkish-white flowers in early spring before the foliage emerges.
Notably tolerant of wet soils and excellent for use in moist woodland gardens or near water features.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
48 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist to wet
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Western North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Early spring – Mid-spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a moist, shady location with rich soil.
- Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep into the ground.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch around the plant to retain soil moisture.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade for best foliage color and growth vigor.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Fertilize in early spring
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch leaves
- Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Indian Rhubarb questions
What zones can Indian Rhubarb grow in?
Indian Rhubarb is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Indian Rhubarb deer resistant?
Yes — Indian Rhubarb is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Indian Rhubarb bloom?
Indian Rhubarb typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Indian Rhubarb need full sun?
Indian Rhubarb does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Indian Rhubarb with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.