Darmera peltata - Umbrella Plant

Family:	Saxifragaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Width:	0.6
Synonyms:	Peltiphyllum peltatum. (Torr.)Engl. Saxifraga peltata.
Range:	South-western N. America - California to Oregon.

Darmera peltata (Umbrella Plant) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m and a width of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 6and is quite resiliant to frost.
Umbrella Plant will flower in October. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Umbrella Plant will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Umbrella Plant prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Umbrella Plant can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

By the banks of mountain streams below 1800m[187]. By or in cold mountain streams[60].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds
• Is a pond plant
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in sun or shade[31] in a wet soil or shallow water[60]. Although quite cold-hardy when dormant, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. There is at least one named form. 'Nana' is a dwarf form, growing only 30cm tall and so is more suited for the small garden[200]. It also makes a good ground cover[208]. The plant comes into flower before the leaves appear[188]. Individual leaves are up to 30cm across[233].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Leafstalk - peeled and eaten raw, cooked like asparagus or added to soups and stews[46, 61, 105, 183, 257].

• Stem - this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe or in early spring in a cold frame[188]. Keep the soil very moist. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring[31]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

Can be grown as a ground cover plant in a sunny position[188]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[208]. Useful as a soil stabilizer for marshy land or muddy banks[200, 233].

• Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.
• Oil - Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
• Soil stabilization - Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Cultivars

'Nana' - A dwarf form, growing only 30cm tall, so it is more suited for the small garden[200]. It also makes a good ground cover[208].

References

Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest.
Hitchcock. C. L.
Author: Hitchcock. C. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A standard flora for Western N. America with lots of information on habitat etc. Five large volumes, it is not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1955

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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