Darmera peltata - Indian rhubarb - Umbrella plant is found growing in mountain streamsides in woodland in the western United States...
Darmera peltata, also called as Indian rhubarb, Umbrella plant, Leptarrhena inundata, Peltiphyllum peltatum, Saxifraga peltata, is a only species of the genus Darmera. This species was described by Andreas Voss in 1899.
IDENTIFY DARMERA PELTATA - INDIAN RHUBARD - UMBRELLA PLANT
Darmera peltata is native to California, Oregon. It was introduced into Czechoslovakia, France, Great Britain, Ireland. It is found growing in mountain streamsides in woodland in the western United States at elevations of below 1800 meters above sea level.
Indian rhubarb is a slowly spreading rhizomatous perennial which growing to 2 meters tall and 1 meter wide with strong dark brown rhizome and up to 2m in height stems. The leaves are peltate, rounded, deeply lobed, coarsely toothed, conspicuously veined and dark green, measuring approximately 45 cm across that resemble umbrellas turned inside. In autumn, they turn a spectacular shade of red.
Umbrella plant blooms in late spring from the up to 70 centimeter (28 in) high, leafless, but glandularly hairy scapes that emerge before the leaves and carry an umbel-like inflorescence at their end. The pale pink, star-shaped flowers are 1.5 cm across.
DARMERA PELTATA - INDIAN RHUBARD - UMBRELLA PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Darmera peltata requires partial shade when grow in an average garden soil. In wet soil, it tolerates full sun. It needs full shade - no matter the moisture content of the soil - if it is to survive in the South.
Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.
Temperature:
Indian rhubarb can grow in USDA zone 5-7. It grows best at the temperature of 16 - 19 °C. This species is deciduous and thus loses its green foliage over the winter and regrows new leaves in spring. The plants are not well suited to Zones 8-10 in the deep South or to the desert Southwest.
Substrate and growing media:
Umbrella plant are usually grow in pond margins and bog gardens. The plant can cope with a maximum water depth of up to 5 cm (2 in). However, the sales pot is not suitable for permanent pond planting. A special plastic basket for water plants offers a better hold. The container inhibits the strong reproduction urge of the plant. Advantageous if you want to cultivate the plant specifically on the bank zone of the garden pond and do not want the ornamental plant to spread on its own.
It is important that the soil is always moist; clayey, humus rich substrates are particularly suitable. In the garden, dry soil must be mixed with larger amounts of clay and peat. This basically increases the soil moisture and prevents the substrate from drying out too quickly in summer. A small amount of lime in the soil is tolerated and does not have a negative effect on the development of the plant.
The best planting times are in spring and autumn. Keep at least 50 to 60 centimeters (20 to 24 in) planting distance between the individual plants, as the perennial is very vigorous in the right location. Ideal is a place in low water depth or in the constantly humid swamp zone.
Watering:
Water regularly in the first weeks. Try to avoid watering on sunny afternoons to minimize the amount of moisture lost to evaporation. The plant likes moisture and wet feet do not harm it. In the garden pond the plant is planted in a water depth of about 5 cm (2 in). As a decorative border of ornamental beds and flower beds, the soil around the perennial needs regular watering. On hot summer days it is recommended to check the moisture content of the substrate several times a day. If the root ball dries out completely, this inevitably means the death of the plant. A thick layer of bark mulch reduces the evaporation rate in the midday heat and keeps the moisture in the soil.
Fertilizer:
Darmera peltata are light feeders and only occasionally need fertilizer. In the garden pond, the plant is fertilized by the nutrients and suspended matter dissolved in the water. In the bed, an organic fertilizer, for example in the form of horn shavings or compost, is added. The material should be spread in spring and late summer and worked into the soil. Care should be taken not to damage the scale-like rhizomes growing just below the surface.
Pruning:
The leaves should be left on the plant until the winter. Only when they become unsightly and at the latest before the new budding of the flower in spring it is recommended to cut them back at the base.
Winter period:
Mature plants can easily survive temperatures of -26 °C / -15 °F. In ornamental beds, it is recommended to cover the ground with a thick layer of brushwood or bark mulch. This warms the substrate and simultaneously supplies the soil with important nutrients and minerals.
Pests and diseases:
Slugs and snails may chew holes in leaves, and are about the only problem gardeners seem to find with this plant. Set out shallow bowls of beer to catch and drown slugs and snails. Empty the bowls frequently. Thin strips of copper seem to create an effective barrier when wrapped around the bottom of plant pots or formed into a collar on the ground around favorite plants. You might also try using diatomaceous earth (DE) as a barrier.
Propagation:
Darmera peltata can be propagated by seeds or division. The rhizome can be divided to obtain young plants. It is best to divide the plant in the spring so that the freshly planted rhizomes can sprout again immediately. However, it is easier to grow by sowing. The plant needs light to germ, its seeds only need to be lightly covered with soil. Sowing is best done in spring.
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