Darmera peltata or Indian Rhubarb is a spreading, rhizomatous perennial that comes from areas of mountain woodland stream banks in North West USA.
Creating an imposing, umbrella-like clump, it bears a strong resemblance to Gunnera, but is more compact and therefore better suited to smaller gardens.
The large glossy deep green leaves are rounded and lobed with coarse edges and are deeply veined and turn to rich shades of red in autumn. Each leaf can be up to 50cms across.
The foliage appears after the flowers, which are produced in spring in dome shaped cymes of open faced, pink and while blooms. These are borne on the end of stalks up to 2m in height and are followed by attractive, but inedible fruits.
Good for boggy parts of gardens or around ponds and water features.
Goes well as a backdrop in flower beds in informal and cottage style gardens.