Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Tai Wedding'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Dysosma pleiantha, the Chinese Mayapple, is a rhizomatous perennial featuring large, dramatic, umbrella-like leaves. In spring, nodding, cup-shaped, deep maroon flowers appear beneath the foliage. The species is noted for its bold, architectural foliage and unusual, hidden flowers. After flowering, it may produce a large, fleshy, edible (when fully ripe) fruit.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into shaded, moist soil
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Mist cuttings to encourage root development
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Monitor for pests and diseases, treat as needed
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
Pro Tip
Ensure shaded location and consistently moist soil for best growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to retain moisture
- Divide in early spring or fall
- Provide shade in hot climates
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from over-fertilizing, which can harm roots
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| 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
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 late spring through early summer. 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'
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum pleianthum
Asian Mayapple
Podophyllum difforme
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum versipelle 'boreale'
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum delavayi
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
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.
