Umbrella plant Darmera peltata
ABOUT
The Darmera peltata, commonly known as the umbrella plant because of its large, rounded leaves, is visually distinctive and appealing. The leaves of the umbrella plant emerge on long, slender stalks, often taking on a circular or shield-like shape that can resemble an upturned umbrella. These leaves are typically bright green when they first emerge, but as they mature, they can develop a deeper green hue, and in the fall, they often turn to dramatic shades of yellow, orange, or red, creating an attractive display. In spring, before the foliage unfurls, the umbrella plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that appear on tall flower stalks. These flowers can be pink or white and provide an early-season interest even before the characteristically large leaves dominate the plant's appearance. The overall texture of the umbrella plant is lush and coarse, with the prominence of the foliage making it a bold presence in any garden or natural setting where conditions support its growth. Its leaves have a prominent vein structure and a slightly serrated edge, contributing to the plant's unique and decorative look that catches the eye and adds to the structure of the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Umbrella Plant, Indian Rhubarb, Shieldleaf Roger's Flower
Common names
Peltiphyllum peltatum, Saxifraga peltata.
ToxicityTo humans
Umbrella plant is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to humans. There typically are no significant symptoms associated with ingesting parts of the umbrella plant; however, as with any non-food plant, consumption is not advisable and might lead to stomach discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Always exercise caution and keep plants out of reach of children who might inadvertently ingest plant material.
To pets
The umbrella plant is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. It does not usually cause severe symptoms of poisoning in cats or dogs. However, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from ingesting plants. Some animals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea if they consume parts of the plant. If you suspect your pet has eaten a substantial amount of the umbrella plant and is showing adverse symptoms, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
California
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Darmera peltata, commonly known as umbrella plant, features showy leaves and pink flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden areas where other plants might struggle.
- Moisture-Loving: The umbrella plant is well-suited for planting near ponds, streams, or in damp, boggy areas, effectively managing wet soil conditions.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a convenient option for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Naturalizing Effect: Can spread to form large clumps that naturalize an area, giving it a lush, wild look.
- Erosion Control: The plant's robust root system can help stabilize soil and reduce erosion on banks and slopes.
- Seasonal Interest: With its changing foliage and blooms, the umbrella plant adds interest throughout the growing season.
- Drought Resistance: Despite its love for moisture, once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: It's capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental use: Darmera peltata, commonly known as umbrella plant, is often used in garden ponds and water features for its striking foliage and aesthetic floral displays.
- Natural erosion control: The root system of the umbrella plant can help stabilize soil on slopes or banks alongside rivers or streams.
- Shade garden plant: With its large leaves, the umbrella plant provides a natural, leafy canopy in shade gardens.
- Wildlife habitat: The dense foliage of the umbrella plant offers shelter and nesting areas for various small animals and insects.
- Photography prop: Its unique appearance makes the umbrella plant a popular subject for nature photographers.
- Pond marginal: Umbrella plant is suited for planting along the margins of a pond where it can thrive in the moist soil conditions.
- Theatrical set design: The visually distinct umbrella plant can be used in theatre and movie sets to create a dramatic and natural-looking backdrop or environment.
- Floral crafts: The dried seed heads of the umbrella plant can be used in floral arrangements and crafts for their textural interest.
- Seasonal interest: As the umbrella plant transitions from flowers to changing leaf colors in the fall, it adds seasonal interest to gardens.
- Folklore inspiration: The unique shape and characteristic look of the umbrella plant may inspire stories, art, and folklore.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiUmbrella plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityUmbrella plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Darmera peltata, commonly known as "Indian rhubarb" or "umbrella plant," often grows in difficult environments alongside streams and ponds. It can withstand being submerged during seasonal floods, symbolizing the ability to persevere through hardships.
- Growth and Renewal: As a perennial, the Indian rhubarb returns each year with fresh growth after a period of dormancy, representing rebirth and the renewal of life.
- Unique Beauty: With its large, rounded leaves and clusters of pink flowers, the Indian rhubarb stands out in its natural setting, symbolizing the value of embracing one's unique qualities.
- Adaptability: Able to adapt to both wet and fairly dry conditions, this plant reflects the trait of adaptability in challenging and changing environments.
WaterThe umbrella plant requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, and should be watered when the top inch of soil begins to dry out. In general, this may mean watering approximately once a week with around 1 to 2 gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions. During the dormant winter months, reduce watering but do not let the soil completely dry out. It's best to water deeply and less frequently rather than little and often, to encourage strong root growth.
LightUmbrella plant thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions, and it prefers a spot that is shielded from the harsh afternoon sun. It can tolerate some morning sun, which is gentler, but too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves. The ideal lighting condition for the umbrella plant is dappled sunlight, such as that found under a canopy of trees or in a bright room with indirect light.
TemperatureUmbrella plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F to -10°F. The ideal temperature range for active growth is between 60°F and 75°F. Avoid exposing the umbrella plant to temperatures above 90°F for prolonged periods, as this can stress the plant.
PruningPruning the umbrella plant is mainly done to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to maintain a desired shape or size. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Pruning once a year is typically sufficient unless additional shaping is necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilUmbrella plant prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.6 and 6.5. Mix garden soil with compost and peat moss for best results.
RepottingUmbrella plant doesn't require frequent repotting; do it every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot.
Humidity & MistingUmbrella plant thrives in higher humidity but is adaptable to average room humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use rich soil, place in indirect light, and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleDarmera peltata, commonly known as umbrella plant, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist soil, preferably along streambanks or in wet woodlands. The seedling develops into a clump-forming perennial with a thick rhizome, from which rounded, peltate leaves emerge in the spring, following the flowering period. In early spring before the foliage appears, the plant produces small, white to pinkish flowers clustered on a tall, erect flower stalk. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into small winged fruits that are dispersed by wind or water. The plant continues to grow and spread, primarily through rhizomatous expansion, and it enters a period of dormancy in the winter when the leaves die back. Each spring, the umbrella plant reemerges from dormancy, beginning the growth cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the umbrella plant, commonly known as Darmera peltata, is by division. This is ideally done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. To propagate, the gardener should carefully lift a mature clump from the ground and use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root ball into smaller sections, each with several growth points. These sections are then replanted in prepared soil at the same depth they were originally growing. The divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting and kept moist until they are well established. This method is highly effective because it preserves the characteristics of the parent plant and allows for quick establishment of new plants.
