


Terra Nova
Podophyllum ‘Spotty Dotty’ (36 cell half tray)
This brilliant hybrid of several Asian Mayapples boasts large, vigorous, lobed umbrella-like leaves. New leaves are chartreuse with dramatic chocolate-brown spotting. In summer, the leaves are green with lightly spotted areas. Large garnet red flowers are found under the leaves in clusters of 5 or more. 'Spotty Dotty' was selected for its coloring, frost tolerance, vigor, and rhizomatous habit. All Podophyllum prefer shade and cool, moist, organic soils. Protect from hard frosts in spring. Avoid drought stress.
Note: This isn't meant to be a cut flower although the foliage may hold up in the vase with some trial and error - this is being offered simply as a horticulturally charismatic plant for the real plant nerds out there.
USDA Hardiness Zone(s): 6-9
Size (HT/W/FL HT): 18″ / 24″ / 17″
Exposure: Part Shade, Full Shade
Bloom Time(s): —
US Patent # | PP17361 |
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Growing Guides
Click here to access our comprehensive growing guides containing everything you need to know about this crop.

Common Name | Spotty Dotty Mayapple, Asian Mayapple |
Genus | Podophyllum |
Species | Hybrid (derived from Asian Podophyllum species) |
Family | Berberidaceae |
Life Cycle | Herbaceous Perennial |
Format | 36-cell half tray |
Plug Care | Harden off and plant plugs promptly upon arrival. Keep the root medium evenly moist but not fully saturated. Monitor moisture carefully while in the trays but also post-transplant while roots establish. Plant at the same level as the plugs were growing in the trays - do not plant deeply. Do not allow young plants to dry out fully - they like moist woodland conditions. |
Netting / Staking | Not necessary - the foliage and stems stand naturally; no special support needed. |
Temperature Range | Hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9 |
Spacing | Space plants approximately 18 to 24 inches apart as they will spread over time. |
Soil Preference | Prefers humus-rich, organic, deep, moist but well-drained soils. Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay soils or any site that is dry. Neutral to slightly acidic soils are best - you can fertilize to speed growth, but avoid fertilizers heavy with nitrogen as this minimizes patterning on leaves and can cause soft growth. The addition of lots of organics such as compost at the time of planting will make the soil more humusy. The use of a thin layer of leaf mulch on the soil surface helps lock in soil moisture. |
Sun Requirement | Part shade to full shade (woodland setting) - avoid hot/sunny/windy/exposed conditions. |
Pinching | Do not pinch. |
When to Plant | Plant late spring and early summer, well after the threat of frost has passed - frost will damage tender new growth. Water regularly during establishment to prevent the plants entering dormancy. |
Harvesting | This is meant to be grown as an ornamental plant in the shade garden and is not intended for use as a cut flower. |
Post Harvest Care | N/A |
Diseases / Insects | These plants are not prone to any diseases or insect pests. As long as they are planted in the proper conditions, they should thrive. Saturated soils can encourage rot. Make sure to keep any neighboring plants under control to prevent unnecessary competition. |
Bailey's Notes | In many climates, ‘Spotty Dotty’ keeps foliage through much of the growing season and does not necessarily go fully dormant during summer heat unlike some Mayapple relatives. In very hot conditions or during periods of drought stress, foliage may decline or appear semi-dormant. ‘Spotty Dotty’ is rhizomatous and will slowly form a colony. Spread is slower than some native mayapples. In regions with harsher winters, provide winter mulch or leaf litter cover to moderate soil freeze/thaw cycles. Protect new growth from late spring frosts. |
Resources | Terra Nova Product Profile and Growing Recipe |
Order Minimums and Tray Sizes
All TERRA NOVA® plugs are grown in a 36 cell half tray. The minimum order is 6 total half trays (an combination of varieties).
Orders for multiple ship weeks must be placed separately.
Patents & Plant Tags
Unauthorized propagation of varieties that are patented is strictly prohibited.
If you are purchasing these plugs with the intent to resell them, you must also purchase tags. Upon adding items to your cart, you will be prompted to add tags for each plant in the order, at the cost of $0.13 per tag. This is applied to your entire order.