Diphylleia grayi (syn. Podophyllum grayi)

Skeleton Flower Berberidaceae

A plant with a party trick worthy of centre stage. Diphylleia grayi, the Japanese Skeleton Flower, is a choice woodland perennial from Japan, Sakhalin and the Russian Far East, forming handsome clumps of large, umbrella-like leaves on sturdy stems.

Its real magic appears when it rains. The white, six-petalled flowers become almost completely transparent when wet, their delicate petals turning into seemingly glass-like structures before gradually becoming white again as they dry. The effect is caused by water filling the microscopic air spaces within the petals, reducing light scattering and allowing light to pass through them. It is an extraordinary botanical phenomenon—and one that is considerably more impressive than its rather understated flowers might suggest.

The flowers are borne in airy clusters above the foliage, with yellow stamens providing a contrasting centre, followed by rounded blue-black berries. Grow in cool, moist, humus-rich woodland soil in partial to deep shade, avoiding prolonged drought.

Height: 60–90cm
Spread: 60–90cm
Flowering: May–June
Hardiness: H5, approximately -15 to -10°C
Position: Partial shade to shade
Soil: Moist, fertile, humus-rich soil