Tetrapanax papyrifer
Chinese rice-paper plant
A large, fast-growing shrub or small tree to about 5m high, producing a thicket of upright stems topped by large, palmately lobed green leaves. New shoots and leaves have a coating of fine coppery hairs. Creamy pompoms of flowers are produced in large sprays in autumn, followed by black fruit.
Synonyms
Aralia papyriferaFatsia papyrifera
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Cream | Green | ||
| Winter | Green | Black |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Genus
Tetrapanax are suckering, evergreen shrubs or small trees, with large, palmately-lobed leaves. The flowers are produced in large, woolly sprays, attractive to bees, followed by black fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Taiwan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in milder areas, in well-drained soil in full sun, and protect from cold winds. In colder areas grow against a warm wall, in a cool greenhouse, or in a large container that can be moved indoors over winter. If kept frost-free it will be evergreen; with mild frosts the plant is deciduous, and in colder areas it may die back to ground level then reshoot from the roots.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by division, removing suckers in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged leaves as necessary. Remove suckers if you want to prevent the spread of established clumps
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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