Syneilesis palmata

The common name says it all: large leaves look like shredded umbrellas. A group of these creates an amazing textural effect in the moist, shade garden.

We enjoy all the changes this Aster-relative goes through from the furry, mushroom-looking spring growth to the large, shredded mature leaves to the relatively bland, pale pink summer flowers.

Palmate shredded umbrella plant is quite similar to it's slightly better known relative (s. aconitifolia), but the leaves are even more deeply cut. Spikes of pink and white flowers are not the most exciting, but they can reach up to 7' tall!

Easy to grow in moist, but well drained, lightly acidic soil in part shade. Tolerates full sun in cool summer climates; tolerates full shade; tolerates drought once established. Will form colonize over time. A. palmatum adapts better to full shade than other members of the syneilesis family, and is a good candidate for a dry shade garden.

Zones: 5 to 8

Family: Asteraceae

Type: Perennial

Height: 24 to 30 in.

Spread: 18 to 24 in.

Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

Soil Conditions: Rich, moist but well-drained soil

Bloom Time: July to September

Bloom Color: White

Native Range: China, Japan, Korea

Image Credits:

• Image 1 (foliage) Dalgial, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
• Image 2 (blooms) National Institute of Ecology, KOGL Type 1 <http://www.kogl.or.kr/open/info/license_info/by.do>, via Wikimedia Commons