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Monday, March 24, 2014

Born Out of Frustration

Last night we were forecast to have a heavy frost (and heavy frost it was indeed) so I tucked away a few potted plants inside the greenhouse that could potentially be damaged by late frosts. One of those plants is this Podophyllum delavayi...
Podophyllum delavayi
Which made me think of the beautiful Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'...
Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'
Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'
Which in turn made me remember of an interesting remark a knowledgeable plantsman once made, saying that apparently 'Spotty Dotty' was born out of frustration...

 Frustration with Podophyllum delavayi!
Podophyllum delavayi
Podophyllum delavayi
Although hardy, P. delavayi sprouts so early in the year that it is prone to being damaged by late frosts, never to show up again until early next year just to be zapped by frosts again. The cycle continues year in and year out. I have personally observed this in our garden. Every time I see it sprouting out from the ground very early in the year I hope that no frosts will come our way so I can enjoy its presence in the garden for months to come. As expected, that is yet to happen. This year when they start to sprout (the one in the pot always comes up much earlier than ones on the ground) I'll throw some fleece on them when frosts are forecast, hopefully that will be enough to save them from going mush and break that trend.

 The only way I can reliably enjoy it in leaf is to have one in a pot that I can shift under cover in the spring when frosts are forecast.
Podophyllum delavayi blooms
Interestingly enough, one would think that if a plant gets zapped every year that it never gets a chance to leaf out that it would go backward each time until the plant eventually disappears. That doesn't seem to be the case in our garden. Each year I see more and more trying to sprout. It seems determined at least.
Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty' sprouting in the spring
Anyway, back to Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty', it is a hybrid between P. delavayi and P. difforme, with the exotic looks of the former and the tendency to sprout much later in the spring from the latter, making it less prone to being damaged by frosts. A winning combo!
Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty' blooms
Sometimes frustration can spawn beautiful things!

 Mark :-)
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23 comments:

  1. Lisa C. D.24 March 2014 at 22:42

    I´ve got one Spotty Dotty, It is very small but I hope It grows and looks as beautifull as yours some day. Interesting the information about Podophyllum delavayi, I hope this year you´ll be able to enjoy the leaves in the ground!

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    Replies
    1. Mark and Gaz25 March 2014 at 07:38

      It seems quick to size up Lisa, it might surprise you this year :)

      Delete
  2. Kris Peterson25 March 2014 at 00:26

    Maybe the plant evolved to be so attractive in order to compel its caretakers to jump through hoops in order to protect it.

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    1. Mark and Gaz25 March 2014 at 07:39

      True Kris! It's a cute story but I do wonder how true that really is, hmmm...

      Delete
  3. Shirley Fox25 March 2014 at 01:15

    The gorgeous foliage is worth the extra effort and it's always possible that a late freeze will not appear and you can enjoy both.

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    1. Mark and Gaz25 March 2014 at 07:40

      Hopefully the other nights will be the last one this year Shirley! :)

      Delete
  4. outlawgardener25 March 2014 at 02:24

    An interesting story that I'd not heard before. My Podophyllum delavayis come up at the same time as my Spotty Dotties. Pot placement maybe? P. delavayi has been trouble free for me while a couple of P. Spotty Dotties have developed a rust of some sort that deforms their leaves. I love the podophyllums and yours are gorgeous!

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    1. Mark and Gaz25 March 2014 at 07:41

      Your clumps of Podophyllum are to lust for Peter, they've done incredibly well for you, it's the skill of the gardener ;)

      Delete
  5. Evan Bean25 March 2014 at 02:53

    Beautiful Podophyllums! Reading of the early emergence of delavayi in your garden made me wonder how it did in the Pacific Northwest, which Peter answered in his comment. It rarely frosts after February and stays so cool that I think it prevents many such plants from emerging too early. The balance is we can have trouble growing things that need warm temperatures to wake up in spring.

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    1. Mark and Gaz25 March 2014 at 07:57

      Temperature wise it can be a bit of roller coaster in the spring here Evan. You get early warm spells then suddenly gets cold again which can play tricks on plants. Hoping that the frost we had the other night will be the last one :)

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  6. Sunray Gardens25 March 2014 at 09:46

    They are neat looking plants but I would hate that happening each year. You sure have patience to have your exotic gardens. It's a lot of work, but of course very beneficial when it ends up looking so lovely each year.
    Cher Sunray Gardens

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  7. Sarah Shoesmith25 March 2014 at 13:47

    Love the name and adore its foliage. You are clearly saints to make such an effort - and thank goodness for that. A truly beautiful plant.

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    1. Mark and Gaz25 March 2014 at 20:49

      Thanks Sarah and Spotty Dotty would look great in your garden!

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  8. DC Tropics25 March 2014 at 14:40

    Amazing how similar some of those Asian podophyllums are to begonias. I love them!

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    1. Mark and Gaz25 March 2014 at 20:49

      They look so exotic John, with markings that reminded us of begonias too!

      Delete
  9. Caro25 March 2014 at 20:37

    I had to look this plant up and was surprised to see it listed as an herbaceous woodlander! As it allegedly likes moist warm soil, I'd say it's coming up right on cue given the weather we've had so far this year. Definitely fleece and cloches are called for here to protect this very stunning plant - I'm sure both plants will thrive under your watchful eye Mark!

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    Replies
    1. Mark and Gaz25 March 2014 at 20:54

      Thanks Caro! I wouldn't be surprised if this plant will be more visible is large public gardens all over the country, associating well with other staple woodlanders :)

      Delete
  10. ricki26 March 2014 at 03:36

    Hmmm...I experience frustration frequently, but it has yet to produce anything so noteworthy. This was a fun little bit of history.

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    1. Mark and Gaz26 March 2014 at 09:52

      Sometimes relaxation and relief after bouts of frustration are more than enough reward Ricki :)

      Delete
  11. Anonymous26 March 2014 at 12:37

    I've just had an email from a TV company looking for Britain's best private gardens for a series headed by Alan Titchmarsh. I think you guys should seriously consider it. The application form is here http://www.itv.com/beontv/shows/britains-best-gardens

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    Replies
    1. Mark and Gaz26 March 2014 at 19:33

      Very flattered Helen, thank you and will consider it :)

      Delete
  12. Candice Suter.....Sweetstuff3 April 2014 at 02:22

    Those are so beautiful! Now if I only had more shade and would remember to water normal plants! I will just have to enjoy them through you!

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