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Rice-paper plant

Tetrapanax papyrifer

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Large—to 20 inches across—almost rounded, lobed leaves that are colored green with a downy gray tinge 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.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsFlowers attract bees.

CareProvide well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. In Zones 6 and 7, plant early in the season, then spread a deep mulch of crumbled leaves at least 18 inches beyond any of the shoots in late fall. Good drainage and extra heat help this plant to overwinter. It spreads vigorously once established.

PropagationRemove suckers in spring.

ProblemsInfrequent.

  • Genus : Tetrapanax
  • Zones : 10, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
  • Plant Width : 10 to 15 feet
  • Uses : Containers
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Bloom Time : Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
  • Growth Rate : Fast
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
  • Flower Color : White

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