Chinese May Apple Podophyllum pleianthum Play pronunciation

Dysosma is a shade-loving, flowering, herbaceous perennial in the barberry family and native to China and Taiwan. This plant is very ornamental with large, glossy star shaped leaves, attractive and fragrant burgundy flowers, and apricot fruits. It will reach a mature height of 18 to 24 inches with a single stem bearing the large leaves and clusters of spring flowers. The genus name comes from the Greek words for foot and leaf, referring to the shape of the leaf in the American species P. peltatum.

Plant Dysosma in well drained, moist, acidic, rich soils in partial to full shade. Avoid dry soils and provide consistent and even water. With good watering, the leaves usually remain attractive in the garden until first fall frost (unlike P. peltatum of eastern North American, which goes dormant in summer).  It is resistant to browsing by deer and damage by snails and slugs.  

Dysosma is bushy and clump-forming and can spread by rhizomes over time. Plants may self-seed in the garden. It can take two to five years to mature, but once established in the garden, it will last a long time.

Use it in the front of a shade border or woodland garden or plant it in a container that can be elevated so the deep magenta flowers can be enjoyed. The young leaves are frost tender in spring and you should mulch to protect the plant from a spring frost.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect problems. Susceptible to root rot and slugs may harm young leaves.