Podophyllum 'Kaleidoscope'
ASIAN MAYAPPLE
Family: Berberidaceae
Pronounced: pod-o-FIL-lum
Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: Not listed.
USDA zones: 6-9.
Mature size:
Height: 18 inches (45 cm).
Width: 12 inches (20 cm).
Flowering period:
Late spring to early summer.
Flowering attributes:
Clusters of 7 to 20, 2-inch long, deep maroon flowers are followed by yellow fleshy fruits.
Leaf attributes:
Umbrella-shaped, variegated leaves can grow as large as 12-20 inches wide.
Growth habit:
Clump-forming.
Light:
Shade to partial shade.
Soil:
Humus rich, leafy, consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with leaf mold or compost to keep soil humus rich.
Propagation Methods:
Divide in early spring just as growth resumes, or late summer.
Rainy Side Notes

Introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries in 2004, this Asian mayapple has knockout designs that can make any foliage fan swoon. Terra Nova also introduced P. 'Spotty Dotty' the same year, and although it's lovely, I prefer the markings on 'Kaleidoscope.'
If the foliage was any bigger, you might be tempted to use the hexagonal leaves when it rains, since the leaves resemble an opened umbrella. These slow growers are beautiful in the shade garden; however, the stunning foliage is the star attraction, while the flowers play an attractive, supporting role.
Photographed in Jonathan Morse's Vashion Island garden.

Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton
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