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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