I am thrilled to see two Asian mayapples (Podophyllum pleianthum, below) breaking ground along the stone path in the shaded, side garden. All knowing (or know nothing) gardener that I am, I did no watering over the two month period of drought last summer. In midsummer, one of the two planted mayapples planted earlier in spring wilted and died. At least, that’s what I figured.
But, the native mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is ephemeral. In the heat of late spring, and with diminishing water availability in competition with greedy forest trees, mayapples go dormant. Apparently, one of the two Asian mayapples did the same while the other had sufficient resources to continue to grow above ground. But today, instead of only one, both have multiplied so that instead of two leafy umbrellas, there will be six or eight. There are regular disappointments in the garden, but more occasions that bring joy.
I have collected several of the native mayapples growing in the forest bordering the garden. Years ago, these nearly disappeared when the property developer harvested tulip poplars for lumber. Fortunately, the forest canopy returned, and so did the mayapples. I’ve selected ones with mottled leaves (below), which move easily, though they are slow to multiply.
With the return and multiplying of Asian mayapples and several more soon to be delivered, I envision moving closer to the lushness of favorite gardens in the Pacific Northwest. While hardly considered for their flowers, the large leaves of native and Asian mayapples are ideally suited to the shaded garden.
Ramblin' through Dave's Garden 
That’s encouraging! We planted a spotty dotty for the first time last year and I am hoping it made it through our Canadian winter. No activity yet, but it is still -7 C here today…brrr…fooled by false spring again!
We’re forecast to drop to -4 or -5C tonight. Several years ago, a newly emerging mayapple was damaged at this time when it was particularly vulnerable. Happily, it came back the following spring, but today, I’ve covered all with plastic pots with newspaper in the top for insulation. I don’t know the temperature that they’ll be damaged, but they look tender.
Yes, this is a tricky time of year for us too. I lost quite a few hostas last year due to crown rot from freeze/thaws after they had emerged. Good luck!
Hi – I am enjoying your blog! I am on the hunt for a pink dogwood – I’ve got it narrowed down to Miss Satomi – love the form and berries – and Scarlet Fire, the new pinkier kid on the block. Does Scarlet Fire have the graceful form and berries of Miss. S? Site will be full sun, zone 7 A/B northern virginia. Thank-you!
I grew Satomi for years, and only a time or two were flowers noticeably pink. I’ve had Scarlet Fire two years and in both the flowers were an exceptional pink. Typically, flowers were white with a blush of pink. For whatever reason, neither Satomi or Scarlet Fire had significant berries, but I suspect this is due to both being in part shade.