Flowers of Umbrella Plant Appear Before Foliage

This outstanding plant is often referred to as Indian Rhubarb, Giant Cup or the Umbrella Plant. In fact, several indoor species are also listed as Umbrella Plants. Darmera peltata is a garden perennial herb of the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to the woodlands and mountain stream banks from southern Oregon to northern California.

Spring Flowers of Pink and White Appear before Foliage

At the beginning of the growing season, the Umbrella Plant looks like nubby wood in the soil. That’s the rhizome which is a thick, horizontal stem from which the roots and stalks grow. Umbrella-like, rounded clusters of pink and white flowers appear in April or May. Their thick, hairy stems can be about fifteen inches in length. Each flower within the cluster measures about one-half inch diameter.

Umbrella Plant Features Large Glossy Leaves

The glossy peltate leaves that emerge are toothed and scalloped. Peltate refers to the stalks which are attached to the underside, at the centre of the leaves, instead of at the edge. The foliage eventually forms a large, beautiful mound.

Some Darmera peltata grow to a height of five or six feet. The circular leaves can be as large as eighteen inches across. Each one is in the form of an inside-out umbrella or large cup that will collect water. There is often a red flush to their color in the autumn before they die back.

Accent Plant Stabilizes Banks of Streams and Ponds

This Umbrella Plant grows well in average garden soil with added compost. It needs a large space for growth, and requires moist to wet growing conditions. The plant prefers partial or complete shade. It will grow in full sun if the soil is consistently moist or wet. If the soil dries out, the leaves will become scorched.

Darmera peltata creates a dramatic effect at the back of a mixed border that has plants of medium height, or at the edge of a pond or bog. The rhizomes of the Umbrella Plant will help stabilize the banks of streams or ponds.

The plant naturalizes easily but is not aggressive. It requires very little maintenance, and has no serious insect or disease problems. A clump that is too large for its location can be divided in spring for replanting. The Umbrella Plant is a hardy to at least zone 3b.

The Darmera peltata was formerly known as Peltiphyllum peltatum. There are some nurseries where it is still sold with that name. Gardeners who have the space, and property owners who have a bog, stream or pond, will truly appreciate the Umbrella Plant.

Information about indoor Umbrella Plants can be seen here.