PlantFiles: Umbrella Plant, Indian Rhubarb
Darmera peltata

Slow to emerge in the spring. I tried this at the base of a willow with no luck whatsoever, apparently the willow sucked up all the available water. Moved some to a more marshy wild area and hoping for better luck next season. Impressive leaves need lots of space.

Did not have luck with this plant in zone 7b, Enid, Oklahoma. Could be because it did not receive enough water for its needs, although all my other plants survive and flourish. It died out the first season. It must need a lot of water!

Impressive-looking plant with gorgeous foliage, though very particular in its water needs. Ours is still a bit crinkly round the edges after its mini-pond dried up during a droughty period - so make sure it's always got plenty of water.

I have my darmera planted in it's own mini bog. This is it's second full season with me and the first time it's bloomed (mid April). It has six stalks with a bloom on top of each one. The blooms are a little smaller that a tennis ball.

The leaves are starting to emerge and when they start to take over, the flowers will fade. It's a beautiful plant for it's foilage and I am very pleased with the blossoms not that I finally got to see them!

I have it growing here in East Oakland, California in a very large pot which has excellent drainage, lots of sand and gets water run through it every day. Also inside the large pot are several other plants. The pot is in full sun, but I turn it during the hottest months so the other plants shade the Darmera to prevent scorching. Darmera grows best in fairly fast-moving cold water. It's a very beautiful and unusual plant! I read somewhere that it's the world's largest saxifrage.