Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'
chinese rice-paper plant
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. Tetrapanax papyrifer is a wonderful plant for jungle schemes in milder areas.
How to care for Tetrapanax papyrifer Rex:
Plant Chinese rice-paper plant in a sheltered, sunny or partially shaded spot with rich, well-drained soil that stays moist but not waterlogged. It prefers a frost-protected location, such as against a south-facing wall or in a courtyard, as its large leaves can be damaged by cold winds.
Incorporate plenty of compost or well-rotted organic matter into the planting hole to support vigorous growth. Give it enough space for its spreading, dramatic foliage, ideally at least 2-3m (6-9ft) clear of other plants, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots, particularly over winter.
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.
Incorporate plenty of compost or well-rotted organic matter into the planting hole to support vigorous growth. Give it enough space for its spreading, dramatic foliage, ideally at least 2-3m (6-9ft) clear of other plants, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots, particularly over winter.
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.
Eventual height:
4m
Eventual spread:
2.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
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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.
