The Skeleton flower plant is native
to China and Japan. The botanical name of this plant is Diphylleia grayi, and
also the come names are Umbrella plant, Skeleton flower, And Asian Umbrella
Leaf. The Skeleton flower plant is a perennial plant and the mature size is
about 16 inches high, 2 to 3 feet spread. The plant does well in part shade to
full shade. Skeleton flower plant prefer Sandy and loamy soils and a soil pH level
of 4.5 to 7.0. The blooming time is
summer. The plant flower color is white. Skeleton flower plant is reliably
perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.
Steps on how to grow Skeleton flower
plant
Like I said earlier this plant is a
woodland native to the colder mountainous regions of China and Japan. You can plant
it in early spring or early fall. This plant actually has both male and female
flowers so you don’t need 2 plants for pollination. On the other hand, the skeleton
flower is best planted in groupings and not really as an individual specimen.
If the skeleton flower plants are planted
in the right location, the plant is low maintenance. Throughout the growing
season of the plant, make sure you remove the dead foliage so that the new
leaves can unfold without hindrance.
Light requirement: The plant is really sensitive to sunlight. The skeleton flower plant
requires a shady location, preferably woodland, where the plant will be fully
protected from the hot midday and afternoon sun.
Soil requirement: Skeleton flower plants need soil
that is deep, rich in humus and consistently moist and well drained. Make sure
you also mulch the plant with an ample amount of compost or leaf mold every
year.
Water requirement: The plant requires consistent moisture, make sure you select a location
with naturally moist soil. During a dry spell, water the plant slowly and
deeply by drip irrigation.
Temperature and Humidity requirement: The plant needs a cool, temperate climate, and it also likes humid air.
The plant will not do well in hot, dry summer weather. The Skeleton flower plant
dies back during the winter. You can cover the plants with a layer of organic
mulch, this will help to protect the plant from subzero winter temperatures.
Fertilizer application: You can add a complete fertilizer in the early spring if there is not
enough natural organic matter from fallen leaves.
Skeleton flower plants propagation: Skeleton flower plants grows stems from its thick underground rhizomes.
To propagate the plant, you can divide the rhizomes or take the cuttings and
replant them. Although you might find the skeleton flower plant seeds for sale,
but growing them from seed is tricky. The germination is really very slow, the
plant seeds require a special cool weather cycle, and it can take up to a year
or longer.
How to grow Skeleton flower plants in
Containers
If actually your local climate is
below zone 4, you can still grow the plant in containers. Make sure you bring
the containers indoors for the winter. During the plant dormant period, the Skeleton
flower plant needs less water. With spring arriving, you can slowly increase
the watering and acclimate the plants over several days, similar to hardening
off seedlings, before leaving the containers outside permanently for the
summer.
Pests and disease control: Actually this plant is not commonly affected by any pests or diseases.
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