Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'
Rice paper plant, Chinese rice paper plant, Tung-Tsau
Also known as Tetrapanax papyrifer subsp. rex
- Height × spread
- 3m × 3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a plant with huge and stunning leaves. These are deeply incised, the individual lobes being elegantly pointed with a darker midrib. An individual leaf can be 1.2 metres in diameter. The plant itself is fast growing but susceptible to frost damage. This is hardier than the species but is not reliably hardy in any part of the country. Indeed, one such form was growing in Rosemoor Garden in Devon and was killed above ground in the winter of 2009-2010. It subsequently produced fresh growth from the base of the plant.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 3m
- Spread
- 3m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Remove suckers
Remove any suckers that have appeared round the base of the plant. They can often be pulled up, but it may be necessary to use secateurs or loppers to detach them from the parent plant.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune annually or for reducing size
The plant can either be generally pruned by removing dead or damaged growth and misplaced or crossing branches. When it becomes too large, or if a smaller plant is required, take the plant back to about 3 buds from its base.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.