This shrub is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast
• Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
  
  With deeper divided lobes, and a softer beige fuzz to the leaves than the species, 'Rex' is a fast-growing, exotic and architectural woody shrub bearing huge, deeply lobed, fresh green leaves up to 60cm across. Creamy pompoms of flowers are produced in large sprays in autumn, followed by black fruit if kept in a sheltered southerly-facing spot. A wonderful plant for jungle schemes in milder areas.
  
  
• Garden care: Remove faded leaves as and when they appear tatty, and prune lightly in mid to late spring, trimming shoots that spoil the symmetry. Protect plants from cold, drying winds and avoid poorly-drained ground conditions likely to become waterlogged in winter. Plants may need protection when temperatures start to dip in colder regions. Provide a deep mulch over winter in colder areas. 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. Remove suckers if you want to prevent the spread of established clumps.