Sinopodophyllum hexandrum
Himalayan may apple
Has deeply 3-5 lobed leaves, green variably mottled with purple, which expand fully, up to 25cm across, after flowering in late spring and summer. Stems at flowering to 30cm in height. Flowers pinkish or white, with yellow stamens. Berries scarlet, egg-shaped, borne on short, drooping peduncles in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green Purple | Red | |
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
- Genus
Sinopodophyllum are rhizomatous perennials with creeping rootstocks producing 2-branched petioles, each branch bearing a large, usually peltately divided, umbrella-like leaf blade. 9-petalled, cup-shaped flowers are borne on short stems from the junction of the leaf branches, followed by red or yellow fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Himalaya, W China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a humus-rich, moist, fertile soil in full or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in an open frame or by division in spring or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back the old stems in autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to slug damage on young leaves in spring
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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