Umbrella Plant — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Darmera peltata |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–28 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 10–18.3 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–180 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 121.9–182.9 |
| Mature height (cm) | 121.9–182.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 121.9–182.9 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 5–9 |
| Light | Shade |
| Water | High |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Plant rhizome divisions in consistently moist to wet, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade beside water; umbrella plant (Indian rhubarb) is a native Californian and Oregon perennial of streambanks and wet canyon floors with two distinct ornamental seasons: in early spring, before any leaves emerge, clusters of small, flat-topped, pale-pink flowers appear on 3-foot, bare, hairy reddish stems — a surprising and charming early display; then throughout summer and fall, enormous, round, peltate (stalked from the center) leaves up to 2 feet across rise on tall, thick, hairy petioles to 3–4 feet, creating a bold, parasol-like effect that is one of the most architecturally dramatic of any streamside or bog perennial. The leaves turn to rich coppery-orange in autumn before dying back. An excellent specimen plant for large-scale naturalistic plantings beside ponds and streams where its scale and requirement for constantly wet soil can be accommodated. Similar in scale to Petasites (butterbur) but native to western North America and much better-behaved (non-spreading).
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0