Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum pleianthum
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
20 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China, Taiwan
Toxicity
All parts are toxic except for the ripe fruit pulp
The Story
Plant Bio
Podophyllum pleianthum is a hardy perennial with attractive, large, palmate leaves that often display variegation and distinctive patterns. It produces charming, bell-shaped flowers in early spring, adding elegance to woodland gardens. This species is valued for its striking foliage and early spring flowers, and it thrives in shaded, moist conditions, making it ideal for shaded garden borders and woodland settings.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for best germination
- Provide partial shade during hot summer days
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Water regularly during dry periods
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years for rejuvenation
Pro Tip
Use shaded, moist areas with rich, well-draining soil for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Divide every few years to promote healthy growth
- Place in partial shade to protect from harsh sun
Don't
- Avoid dry, exposed locations ❌
- Don’t allow soil to become waterlogged ❌
- Refrain from over-fertilizing with high nitrogen
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check |
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
Chinese Mayapple questions
What zones can Chinese Mayapple grow in?
Chinese Mayapple is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Chinese Mayapple deer resistant?
Yes — Chinese Mayapple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Chinese Mayapple bloom?
Chinese Mayapple typically blooms in early spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Chinese Mayapple need full sun?
Chinese Mayapple does best in part shade.
More Podophyllum to compare
Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
Spotty Dotty Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum 'Spotty Dotty'
Asian Mayapple
Podophyllum difforme
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Tai Wedding'
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum versipelle 'boreale'
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum delavayi
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Grow Chinese Mayapple 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.
