Spotted Mandarin Podophyllum versipelle 'Spotty Dotty' (PBR) (v)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Spotty Dotty' is a distinctive and ornamental cultivar, characterized by its unique foliage and striking appearance. The leaves are large, with a lush and attractive look that can add a dramatic touch to any garden setting. They are deeply lobed with wavy edges, creating an almost hand-like silhouette. What truly sets 'Spotty Dotty' apart is the pattern on the leaves – they are mottled with different shades of green, splashed with various tones that can include bronze, brown, and a rich, darker green. These spots give the plant its playful and speckled name. As the plant moves through its growth cycle, the leaves unfold in an alluring display, starting out with a more muted color and becoming more vivid as they mature. This provides a changing landscape of color and texture throughout the season. In addition to its charming foliage, 'Spotty Dotty' produces flowers that are equally as enchanting. These blooms are bell-shaped and hang downward, somewhat reminiscent of small umbrellas or lanterns. They often have a soft color, which can range from a light to a more saturated hue, complementing the dramatic leaves. Overall, 'Spotty Dotty' presents a bold yet sophisticated appearance, with its playful leaf patterns and lovely flowers, making it a sought-after choice for garden enthusiasts looking to add a splash of whimsy and a vibrant, eye-catching element to their plant collections.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae.
Synonyms
Spotty Dotty, Chinese Mayapple, Dysosma Versipellis 'Spotty Dotty'.
Common names
Podophyllum versipelle 'Spotty Dotty' (PBR) (v)
ToxicityTo humans
Spotty Dotty is considered toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant may cause symptoms including but not limited to vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. It's important to seek medical attention immediately if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Spotty Dotty is also toxic to pets. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and tremors. If a pet ingests any part of this plant, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Red
Height
1.5-2 feet (45-60 cm)
Spread
2-2.5 feet (60-75 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: 'Spotty Dotty' is highly valued for its large, umbrella-like, deeply lobed leaves that are mottled with dark spots, providing unique visual interest to shade gardens or woodland settings.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Shade Tolerant: This variety thrives in shaded areas, making it an excellent option for adding greenery to spots where many other plants might struggle to grow.
- Seasonal Interest: In spring, it boasts striking yellow-green flowers, which add a splash of color early in the gardening season.
- Drought Resistant: 'Spotty Dotty' can tolerate periods of dryness once established, which makes it suitable for gardens in areas with water-use restrictions.
- Wildlife Friendly: It provides shelter and food for native insects, which can help support local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Spotty Dotty's unique foliage and early spring flowers make it an attractive subject for garden photographers and plant enthusiasts.
- Shade Garden Accent: With its distinctive mottled leaves, Spotty Dotty can serve as a conversation piece in a shade garden, adding a pop of pattern and color where it is often limited.
- Educational Tool: Botany and horticulture educators can use Spotty Dotty to teach about plant variegation and the genetic or environmental factors that cause such patterns.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may take inspiration from the plant's unique patterns for prints, textile design, or other visual arts.
- Container Gardening: As a plant that thrives in shade, Spotty Dotty can be used to add interest to container plantings on shaded patios or balconies.
- Theatrical Props: In theater productions or photo shoots requiring a natural, yet whimsical setting, Spotty Dotty plants can be used as part of the set design.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its enchanting appearance, Spotty Dotty can be utilized in creating fairy gardens, appealing to the imagination of children and adults alike.
- Garden Contrast: This plant can be strategically placed in the garden to contrast with other plants, highlighting textures and forms.
- Thematic Landscaping: Spotty Dotty is ideal for themed garden areas that focus on rare or unusually patterned plants.
- Culinary Garnish (Non-edible): Though the plant itself is not edible, its leaves could be used as an ornamental garnish for presentation purposes only, instantly enhancing the visual appeal of any dish.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mayapple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mayapple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Novelty - 'Spotty Dotty' is a unique and distinctive variety of Podophyllum with its spotted, umbrella-like leaves, symbolizing the appreciation of uniqueness and individuality.
- Mystery - With its exotic appearance and patterned leaves, it can symbolize the mysteriousness of the natural world.
- Protection - Podophyllum leaves are large and overarching, which can act as a symbol for shelter and protection.
- Rarity - Being a cultivar with specific breeding ('Spotty Dotty'), it symbolizes rare beauty and the value of rarity in the natural world.
- Caution - Podophyllum, commonly known as mayapple, is known to be toxic. This toxicity can symbolize the need for caution and awareness of hidden dangers in seemingly beautiful things.
WaterSpotted Mayapple requires evenly moist soil, especially during spring and summer. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing water to penetrate several inches into the soil. During the growing season, it may need up to 1 gallon of water per week, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. Reduce watering in the fall and further in the winter when the plant is dormant, ensuring the soil does not dry out completely. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has good drainage.
LightSpotted Mayapple thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers a spot that mimics its natural woodland habitat, with dappled sunlight filtering through overhead foliage. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it does best with morning light or shaded afternoon light. An east or north-facing window is ideal for indoor plants, or under the canopy of taller shrubs and trees if outdoors.
TemperatureSpotted Mayapple grows best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost. The plant is not heat-tolerant and may struggle if temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal conditions are consistent, moderate temperatures that mirror the temperate woodland environments.
PruningPruning Spotted Mayapple is generally not necessary for health or growth but can be done to maintain shape or remove damaged leaves. Prune in early spring before new growth emerges, as this is when the plant is still dormant and will recover best from any cuts. Only remove dead or dying material, and avoid cutting into healthy parts of the plant. Pruning more than necessary can stress the plant and hinder its lush foliage display.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMayapple 'Spotty Dotty' thrives in rich, moist but well-draining soil, with an ideal pH between 5.5 to 7. A soil mix composed of equal parts loam, peat, and perlite or sand works well. It is important to ensure the soil remains humus-rich and is capable of retaining moisture without becoming waterlogged.
RepottingMayapple 'Spotty Dotty' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its container. It's best to repot in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. Larger clumps can be divided during repotting to propagate new plants.
Humidity & MistingMayapple 'Spotty Dotty' prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 70%. If indoor air is too dry, employing a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water can help maintain optimal humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use rich, moist soil and high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycle'Spotty Dotty' emerges in spring with mottled, umbrella-like leaves, starting its growth from underground rhizomes. The plant then develops distinctive large leaves that are green with brown and bronze spots. In late spring to early summer, nodding maroon-red flowers appear beneath the canopy of leaves, followed by fleshy fruit that matures to green-yellow. After flowering, the plant continues to grow and its leaves fully expand, reaching their peak in summer. As autumn approaches, the plant's above-ground foliage dies back, with the plant entering a period of dormancy over winter. In the following spring, 'Spotty Dotty' re-emerges from the rhizome, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Chinese Mayapple, also known by its botanical name Podophyllum versipelle 'Spotty Dotty' (PBR), can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. Division should ideally be carried out in the spring just before new growth begins. To propagate by division, the plant should first be dug up carefully to minimize root damage. Using a sharp knife or spade, the root clump should be divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one growth bud. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced about 24 to 30 inches (approximately 61 to 76 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. It is essential to water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them. This method of propagation allows the gardener to increase their stock of plants while also giving the parent plant more space to thrive.
