Tetrapanax papyrifer is a native of Taiwan and can be seen growing across much of South-East Asia. This plant has a common name in the UK as the 'Rice Paper Plant'. For an exotic tropical look Tetrapanax papyrifer is an excellent choice for your garden. In its native Taiwan this is an evergreen, though in the colder parts of the UK it will be a semi-evergreen or may even lose all its leaves in the winter. Ideally you need to grow this fast-growing Tetrapanax in a Mediterranean style garden in a sheltered spot, it is half-hardy, so protect from cold winds, pockets of frost and temperatures below -5 degrees C. This large shrub or small tree is a stunning piece of living architecture; long stems (like a palm tree), large leaves which can be 100cm wide and growing to a majestic 5m tall with a spread of 5m. Attractive cream pompom blooms develop in early autumn followed by inedible black berries, which are loved by birds.
Flower and Foliage Months
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Foliage Month
Flowering Month