Darmera or Peltiphyllum shieldleaf

Family Saxifragaceae. The name comes from the Greek words "pelte" - shield and "phyllon" - leaf; it was probably given because the plant has large leaves shaped like a shield.

Darmera grows along stream banks in the mountainous regions of the western part of North America.

Perennial with a powerful, rather thick (4 - б cm in diameter) knobby rhizome located at the soil surface. Leaves are basal on sturdy thick petioles (up to 90 cm long), large, rounded, slightly notched at the edge, with pronounced venation, up to 50 cm in diameter. The scape, 50 - 60 cm long, appears well before the leaves - in April - May. Flowers are small (up to 1 cm in diameter), of a pleasant delicate pink color, gathered in an umbel up to 12 cm in diameter. If space is limited, it is recommended to grow the cultivar 'Nanum' with a height of about 50 cm.

Location: the plant prefers semi-shaded sites. When planted in open areas the leaf color is paler and it requires abundant watering. Moisture-loving, but does not tolerate stagnant water. Winter-hardy, but preventive mulching is desirable.

Soil: Peltiphyllum does well on loose, moist, sufficiently fertile soils.

Darmera propagation: by pieces of rhizome in early spring before regrowth. In the second year after division and transplantation the plants acquire a fully decorative appearance and reach large sizes. Propagation by seed is possible, but this is a longer way to obtain planting material, as seedlings grow slowly. Flowering occurs in the 3rd-4th year after sowing.

Peltiphyllum is a very exotic, rare, decoratively stable perennial with beautiful leaves. It is used for planting under trees and in groups with other perennials. Good for landscaping the shore of a pond, but too large for a small pond or bog.

Grows well with large deciduous trees; looks attractive planted together with various Hostas, Rodgersias, Filipendulas, as well as with lower-growing Bergenias, Anemones and other shade-loving perennials.