Philodendron (Philodendron 'Winterbourn' XANADU)

Overview

The Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU is a striking, compact cultivar valued for its dense, mounding habit and deeply lobed, glossy foliage. This variety of Philodendron offers significant tropical texture, making it an excellent focal point or mass planting in warmer climates. It is recognized for its relatively low maintenance requirements, appealing to gardeners looking for dramatic effect with minimal fuss.

Originating from seed collected from a Philodendron bipinnatifidum specimen, Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU presents a mature size of up to four feet tall and five feet wide, perfect for filling space beneath trees or along shaded borders. While it produces an interesting arum-type flower with a dark red spathe and creamy spadix seasonally outdoors, its primary appeal remains its evergreen leaf structure.

Gardeners in tropical or subtropical settings (USDA Zones 9–11) can enjoy this superb herbaceous perennial year-round. For those in colder regions, this beautiful Philodendron transitions seamlessly indoors, serving as a statuesque houseplant where its rich, dark green leaves provide consistent visual interest.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Araceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Spread: 4-5 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: Red spathe and creamy white spadix
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

To establish your Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU successfully, plant it in the spring or early fall once frost danger has passed. This cultivar thrives best when sited in part shade, ideally receiving protection from intense afternoon sun which can scorch the glossy leaves. The soil must be rich, humusy, and consistently moist but well-draining. Amending heavy clay soils with compost before planting will ensure the structure necessary for healthy root development.

Maintain medium moisture levels by watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry. Consistent hydration is key, as drought stress will negatively impact the leaf quality for which this plant is grown. Fertilization is simple; an application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring is often sufficient. Pruning is generally minimal, focusing only on removing any yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain the dense, mounding shape.

For gardeners in zones cooler than 9b, treat your Philodendron as a houseplant. Bring containers indoors before temperatures approach 25°F, ensuring they receive bright, indirect light throughout winter. Overwintering indoors simplifies care, though blooming will be extremely rare. In warmer climates, mulch helps retain the consistent soil moisture preferred by the Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU.

Landscape Uses

The robust, spreading nature of Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU makes it a versatile choice for subtropical landscape design. It functions excellently as a tropical accent plant, providing bold texture in mixed perennial borders where it contrasts well against fine-leaved grasses or smaller flowering annuals. Its low maintenance and dense habit also allow it to be massed effectively, creating an almost impenetrable, dark green ground cover beneath high tree canopies where other plants may struggle.

When planted in containers, this Philodendron offers immediate vertical and textural impact, perfect for shaded patios or conservatories. Ensure containers are large enough to accommodate its eventual 5-foot spread. It pairs beautifully with broad-leaved tropicals like Alocasia or colorful foliage plants such as Coleus, reinforcing that lush, jungle aesthetic.

Considering its year-round structure, consider using it as a permanent backdrop for seasonal color displays. If grown as an annual in very cold regions, it provides outstanding mid-summer volume. Wherever it is placed, the distinctive leaf shape guarantees this Philodendron cultivar will draw the eye.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Philodendron is a large and diverse genus of around 500 species of herbaceous perennials native to the neotropics, many of which are epiphytic. Their characteristic inflorescences are the typical arum-type with a spike-like spadix and a leaf-like spathe; the genus name itself originates from the Greek words meaning “to love” and “tree.” The ‘Winterbourn’ cultivar features a dense, compact, spreading habit accentuated by glossy, deeply lobed leaves up to 12 inches long. This specific hybrid Philodendron selection is commonly sold under the trade name XANADU, offering reliable tropical charm even when blooming is infrequent.

Potential Problems

The primary concerns when growing Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU relate to common houseplant and tropical garden pests. This cultivar is susceptible to piercing-sucking insects, including aphids, mealy bugs, scale, thrips, and spider mites. Regularly inspect the undersides of the deep leaves, especially when kept indoors or during dry periods outdoors. Treating infestations early with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap is highly effective in managing these populations and preserving the plant’s robust appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU suitable for?

This herbaceous perennial is reliably hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 9 through 11, though it can tolerate brief dips near 25°F (Zone 9b).

How large does Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU grow?

When mature, this Philodendron typically reaches a height between 3 to 4 feet, spreading out to a width of 4 to 5 feet, creating a substantial, mounding presence.

What sun exposure does Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU need?

The ideal light condition for this plant is part shade. Avoid intense, direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch and maintain the glossy texture.

When does Philodendron bloom?

It is described as a seasonal bloomer, outdoors bearing a distinct red spathe surrounding a creamy white spadix, although flowering is rare when grown indoors.

Conclusion

The sculptural foliage and low-maintenance needs make Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU a vital addition to subtropical and tropical gardens, offering year-round structure. Whether serving as an understory accent or a dramatic container specimen, this Philodendron variety consistently delivers high visual impact. Before planting, confirm your local hardiness zone aligns with Zones 9-11 to ensure successful outdoor cultivation of your new Philodendron.

Companion Planting

When designing a shade garden around your Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU, select companions that share its requirements for humus-rich, consistently moist soil and part shade exposure. Hostas offer fantastic complementary leaf textures, especially varieties with contrasting blue or variegated foliage, which stand out against the dark green lobes of the Philodendron. Ferns, such as the Japanese Painted Fern or Tassel Fern, thrive in similar conditions and enhance the tropical, woodland feel established by the spreading habit of the XANADU.

For mid-range textural contrast in shaded borders, consider planting shade-tolerant Caladiums or Impatiens beneath the canopy of the Philodendron. These flowering plants add bursts of color that highlight the architectural quality of the foliage. Ensure that any companion planting is kept well-watered during dry spells, as the medium water needs of Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU means it cannot tolerate drying out completely.

Container Growing

The compact yet spreading nature of Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ XANADU makes it perfectly suited for container culture, especially for seasonal use or as a permanent fixture in protected areas like courtyards or conservatories. Use a large container—the bigger the better—to accommodate its eventual 5-foot spread and minimize watering frequency. A high-quality potting mix amended with plenty of peat moss or compost will mimic the rich, humusy soil it prefers in the ground.

Ensure excellent drainage is maintained, as root rot is a significant threat to all Philodendrons in stagnant conditions. Place containers in locations receiving bright, indirect light or dappled shade; intense sun will scorch the elegant lobes. Rotate the container every few weeks if kept indoors to promote balanced, upright growth rather than leaning heavily toward the nearest light source.