Tetrapanax papyrifer ssp.
Tetrapanax papyrifer ssp.
Tetrapanax papyrifer ssp.
Tetrapanax papyrifer ssp.
Tetrapanax papyrifer ssp.
Tetrapanax papyrifer ssp.

Tetrapanax papyrifer

Chinese rice-paper plant

(42 customer reviews)

Tetrapanax papyrifer is a superb large, suckering, semi-evergreen Taiwanese shrub producing immense and dramatically lobed leaves atop fast-growing stems. This plant is a spectacular architectural star that creates the tropical wow factor in the temperate garden.

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Origin: Taiwan
Genus: Tetrapanax
Species / Cultivar: papyrifer
Common Name: Chinese rice-paper plant

Plant Biography

Few plants have made such an impact upon their arrival into horticulture as the Tetrapanax. It has quickly usurped all others as the ‘must have’ plant for an unbeatable tropical look yet is a hardy and undemanding plant – given enough space!

It will be cut back by the winter frost, but each year it comes back fighting in spring in all but the very coldest of UK areas.

Tetrapanax papyrifer
Soil: Moist but Well Drained
Soil that allows water to drain at a moderate rate, without the water pooling.
Growth Rate: Fast
Expect to see prolific growth, especially during growing season.
Water Requirement: Medium
Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.
Maintenance: A little
Easy to look after but may occasionally require some attention in order to thrive.
Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade
Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.
Eventual Height: 6m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 4m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Hardy
Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.
Habit: Semi Evergreen
May only remain evergreen in milder winters, or only loose leaves for a short period.

Expert Tip

Plant this beast back from paths and driveways to avoid damage to the leaves from passers-by!
<a id='note'></a>Please Note:

Please Note:

The “Rex” group of Tetrapanax payrifer includes a series of seed grown specimens that have been identified in several plants in the UK. As the name is not that of an established cultivar, we cannot label our plants as “Rex”. The “Rex” form may be a genetic feat or a environment induced form, however this is still up for debate.

While closely related, the plants in this batch are NOT part of the “Rex” group. Some of the plants in this batch may be identifiable later in life as part of the “Rex” group, however identification of between plants is impossible at this stage. 

This plant may suffer minor damage to the leaves when shipped via courier. Sometimes the leaves are even cut before shipping to avoid this as new ones will emerge quickly after arrival.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Suckers may appear some distance from the mother plant. Remove these while small to maintain a compact shape or leave in place to grow your own Tetrapanax jungle!

The stems are covered with a coarse powder which may cause an allergic reaction in some people when handled.
Recently bought a Tetrapanax from the Palm Centre arrived promptly and well packaged, no damage, impressed by the actual size of the plant. Planted as per the comprehensive instructions and the plant is doing well and thriving – highly recommended

Andrew Walmsley

Recently bought a Tetrapanax from the Palm Centre arrived promptly and well packaged, no damage, impressed by the actual size of the plant. Planted as per the comprehensive instructions and the plant is doing well and thriving – highly recommended

42 customer reviews for Tetrapanax papyrifer

So excited to see the plant arrive in excellent condition. The price was also great and packaging excellent as usual.

Jay –

Just unpacked both my plants which look fantastic and exactly as described. Thank you so much but now can you do something about the weather so I can get out and plant them please? 😉

Dale –

Lovely plant, arrived promptly and in perfect condition – as always.

Brian Watkins –

Tetrapanax papyrifer Rex

Jordi Tubert –

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