I'm particularly interested in the kinds with mottled foliage. Online sties are a bit vague, but reading between the lines I am gathering that this coloration/mottling "greens out" as the spring growth matures? Are there any Podophyllums that keep the color all the growing season?
Another point I am not sure on, are there different forms of the same species? Some exhibiting the mottled foliage and others being plain green from the get-go?

Have you tried any of the cultivars available now? Like 'Spotty Dotty', 'Kaleidoscope', 'Red Panda', 'Starfish', 'Sugar Daddy' (really want this Sugar Daddy!!! Gorgeous) or 'Marbled Leaves'?

Would love to hear your general opinions, what kinds you have tried, how hardy they have proven to be, etc. Pics welcome too. Thanks!
CMK

In any case, you are in the right part of the continent for these beauties -- I would suggest that you give them a try!

I've tried both Kaleidescope and Spotty Dotty in a suitably moist yet well-draining organic soil in a woodland garden - an area where similar cultural requirement plants like arisaemas thrived - and both languished for a season or two then disappeared. While still there, they did hold their very intensely mottled foliage all season.

These are not inexpensive plants and a bit of an investment just for experimentation sake - they cost me a bunch and I get an employee discount! If one opted to do so, be sure to get a mature, or semi-established plant as the youngsters tend to rot out before establishing. I would not consider them to be nearly as vigorous or robust as the straight Asian species or those with solid green foliage (P. pleianthem, hexandrum). And like many plants sourced from the Himalayas, these plants need a cool summer location - they tend to disappear with much heat. And I would consider zone 5 extremely borderline for them - most local sources suggest a bottom zone limit of 6 or even 7.

It is also interesting that Terra Nova, the original intro nursery for Kaleidescope, no longer offers it, nor does PDN. These are by no means easy plants to grow, even in areas of the country where they are most suited.

Think I will forgo the cultivars, though if I happen to see a plain species I wouldn't mind giving it a try. Do you guys know of any species that keeps the mottling up past spring? The front shade garden is a nice micro climate (tulips already popping up in this spot!) so they may do tolerably well there if I can remember to give them enough extra water.

Thanks much for the information- and saving me some $$ on the expensive cultivars! Now I can splurge on the Anemonopsis macrophylla and Polygonatum hookerii I have been eyeballin' ;-]
Thanks again!
CMK

But I do have an alternate suggestion, especially as you favored 'Sugar Daddy' so much. You might try Farfugium japonicum 'Argenteum' (syn. 'Albovariegatum'). No, it is NOT hardy for your zone but it makes a great evergreen container plant and has been typically grown as a houseplant in colder climates. So you can enjoy it out of doors in a suitably shady, woodland type environment in summer and then bring indoors to winter over. And it offers those very large and shiny, white-splashed leaves like the Podophyllum. Kind of a win-win, I'm thinking!!

In addition to the link, it's offered by Joy Creek also. Or if you prefer a yellow spotted variegation, look for 'Aureomaculatum'. (aka leopard plant)

Lol! Funny you should mention that plant. Last fall I was visiting relatives in Seattle (...and a few nurseries of course) and saw a large container with that Farfugium in it. Except I think they had it labeled as "Ligulara japonica 'Albovariegatum" or some such. It was such a striking plant that I might have picked one up if they had had any. Though at this point the living room is looking like a jungle, so I'm not sure I want any more tender things that need to be over wintered indoors, lol! Thanks for the link though. I ordered from Joy Creek last spring and love, love, love their plants.

There are a couple new Ligularias that could fit the bill as far as being an alternative to P. 'Sugar Daddy'. I saw Ligularia 'Osiris Cameleon' and 'Osiris Pure Fataisie' awhile back online and fell in love. Hopefully these guys will make it over here soon!
Thanks again
CMK

My Spotty Dotty hasn't come back yet. I dug a little in the mulch and see one TIIIIIINY little nubbins trying to come up. We'll see if it makes it!