Description
Diphylleia cymosa is large perennial, growing from a short rhizome that produces 1 leaf or one flowering stem per year (with 2 leaves); a similarity with Podophyllum I would say. The very large leaves are simple, 2-parted, each part with 5-9 lobes.
The white flowers appear in late spring in a terminal cyme (hence cymosa), bearing some similarity with Jeffersonia dubia white.
Later, the maturing dark-blue fruits (berries) make a striking contrast with the red pedicels!
A striking, architectural specimen for the woodland garden. Enjoys moist situations but adapts in average soils, where it remains shorter in stature.
Germination: the seeds need to be sown right away, and the pots kept outdoors over the winter (protected). The seeds present a completely formed (torpedo stage) embryo so they should germinate well in the spring.
The 12 large seeds are perfect for sowing a +/- 4 inch pot; they need a larger sowing pot because same like for Podophyllums they should be grown in the same pot for 1-2 full years and the root system (rhizome) needs space to develop. Transplant only in dormant stage, in late fall.
