Skeleton flower is a unique and rare plant with petals that look clear when wet.
@yanagi.97 / Visit Japan
Skeleton flower(Diphylleia grayi) is aptly named.
Its white petals turn clear when wet with rain or dew, revealing the veins and support structures inside.
Credit:@yanagi.97 / Visit Japan
When the blooms dry, they appear white again.
Skeleton flower is a deciduous perennial used as a groundcover in shady locations.
It spreads underground by rhizomes.
Credit:yamatsu / Wikimedia Commons
Individual plants display bright green foliage reaching about 1218 inches tall and spreading 2 to 3 feet wide.
The closer you come to providing that environment, the less care and fuss your skeleton flowers need.
Skeleton flower looks best when planted in groups.
Credit: Robert Cardillo
Space individual plants about 2 feet apart; they will fill in the gaps.
Check the botanical name,Diphylleia grayi, when ordering or purchasing.
Amend the soil with compost before planting.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Dig a hole twice as large as the root ball and spread the plants roots in the hole.
Firm the soil to minimize air pockets and provide maximum root-to-soil contact.
When given the proper conditions, they will slowly spread and form long-lived groundcovers that need little care.
Credit: W. Garrett Scholes
Woodland shaded areas are ideal.
Work in leaf mold andcompostto provide nutrients and hold moisture in the soil without it becoming soggy.
Skeleton flower does best inacidic to neutral soil pH, about 4.5-7.0.
They are hardy inUSDA Zones4-9.
Mulching annually with compost is sufficient to meet their nutrient needs.
In nutrient-poor soils, apply a general purpose, slow-release10-10-10 fertilizereach spring.
Pruning
Skeleton flower plants dont require pruning.
The foliage dies back in autumn, and the dead leaves and stems can be left in place.
Pests and Problems
Skeleton flower plants arent usually affected by pests or diseases.
How to Propagate Skeleton Flower
Division:Skeleton flowers are easily propagated bydividing existing plants.
After the frost has passed in spring, gently dig up the skeleton flower.
Replant each new section, watering and mulching well.
Seed:To germinate skeleton flowers from seeds,cold-stratify them.
When sowing indoors, stratify the seeds in a refrigerator for two to three months.
Plant them in a potting mix 14 inch deep aboutsix weeks before your last frost.
Keep the soil mix moist but not soggy.
Poor germination rates are the norm, so sow several times more seeds than you desire plants.
Interplant ferns with other species for a natural look.
Ferns deliver color and texture when combined withflowering plants that thrive in shade.
It’s hardy in Zones 3-9 and tolerant of partial sun or shade.
It doesn’t require good drainage, so its suitable for boggy areas of the garden.
Zones 4-8
Frequently Asked Questions
Skeleton flowers arenot commonly foundin nurseries and greenhouses.
You may have to order them from specialty online vendors or purchase and start seed.
Skeleton flowers are deciduous perennials that die back in winter and sprout from the root crown again in spring.
When grown in the proper conditions, they can live for many years.
Skeleton flowers can grow successfully in containers with adequate nutrients, light, moisture, and drainage.
When the plant goes dormant, move it to a safe but unheated location for the winter.
Set it back outside in spring and bring it into the house after it wakes from its winter nap.
