What: Podophyllum delavayi — If podophyllums are the altar at which shade gardeners worship, then delavayi is surely the Holy Grail. Also known as the Chinese Mayapple, its beauty is ravishing with its deeply lobed leaves and a pattern that hints of dark droplets. Tiny red apple-like flowers are the hidden treasure of this plant, and can be best appreciated when planted on an elevation where they are visible. Its 10-inch tropical-looking leaves make it one of the best foliage plants for ornamental shade gardens. All parts are poisonous.
Where: Light to full shade in rich moist soil. No direct sun.
Size: 2 feet at maturity
See them: In the shade departments of local nurseries; in the display gardens at Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, www.bloedelreserve.org; or the display gardens at Far Reaches Farm in Port Townsend, www.farreachesfarm.com.
— Sandra Schumacher
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