Umbrella Plant
Darmera peltata
1 gallon pot
 
A bold and architectural native perennial, umbrella plant is prized for its enormous, rounded leaves that can reach over a foot across, creating a lush, tropical appearance in moist garden settings. In early spring, clusters of soft pink flowers emerge on stout stems before the foliage unfurls, providing a striking floral display that seems to float above the ground. The large leaves often develop beautiful red and bronze tones in autumn, extending the season of interest.
 
Native to western North America, this impressive plant thrives in consistently moist soil and is especially well suited to pond edges, stream banks, rain gardens, and woodland settings. It performs best in part shade but tolerates more sun where moisture is plentiful. Once established, it forms impressive clumps that become increasingly dramatic with age.
 
Often mistaken for giant rhubarb (Gunnera), umbrella plant offers a similar bold, tropical look in a more manageable size and is exceptionally well suited to Pacific Northwest gardens.
 
Herbaceous perennial
Zones 5–8
Part shade to full shade
Grows 3–5 ft. tall and wide
Moderate to high water needs; prefers rich, consistently moist soil
Deer-resistant
Blooms Mar–Apr; outstanding foliage interest spring through fall