Genus Tetrapanax (Rice-paper plant)

Tetrapanax papyrifera Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

tet-trah-PAN-aks Common Name: Rice-paper plant Synonyms: Aralia, Fatsia,

The genus Tetrapanax has just one species (T. papyrifer), a suckering, evergreen shrub that can be grown as a small tree. It is native to woodland in southern China and Taiwan and produces large, lobed leaves and umbels of white flowers in panicle-like inflorescences that attract bees. Flowers are followed by clusters of black fruit. Grow in a sheltered border where hardy, or against a warm wall, in a container, or in a cool greenhouse where not hardy.  
Noteworthy characteristics: Large leaves; wooly flowers; black fruit. The flowers attract bees. May be invasive in some areas. Suckers can come up as far as 20 feet away from the parent plant.
Care: Tolerates any well-drained soil in full sun. Provide shelter from wind. Remove suckers at the extremities to control spread.
Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame in the fall, or remove suckers in spring or summer.
Problems: Infrequent.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Tetrapanax

Tetrapanax papyrifer
(Rice-paper plant) (1 user review)

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Large—to 20 inches across—almost rounded, lobed leaves colored a downy gray-tinged green contrast beautifully with almost any companion plant. This thicket-forming, sparsely branched, evergreen shrub, which behaves like an herbaceous perennial in Zones 6 and 7, produces thick, leafy shoots topped by white flowers borne on branching stems to 20 inches long in fall.

Conifers for Shade
Yes, you can grow evergreens trees and shrubs in shade. Who knew? by Christine Froehlich

The Only Shrubs You Need to Grow
A garden designer recommends eight plants that provide reliable good looks without a lot of work by Lynden Miller

How to Prune Conifers
These plants are unforgiving, so make the right cuts for the right reasons by Bert Cregg

VIDEO Potting Soil Recipe for Woody Plants and Perennials
This long-lasting mixture is the perfect medium for long-term plants by Rita Randolph

Trees for Tight Spaces
Think you don't have room? Never feel restricted again with these small problem solvers by David Leckey

Great Plants, Vol.2Learn how to choose and use the best plant varieties for your gardenMore Info

Fine Gardening How-To Series: Gardening Techniques, Vol. 3 DVD-ROMFast, easy computer access to more than 40 articles and videos on soil and proper plantingMore Info

Gardening Techniques 1, 2 & 3 DVD-ROM SetLearn essential gardening methods from professionals in the field.More Info