Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'

Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ – Giant Rice Paper Plant

Bring dramatic, tropical foliage to your garden with Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’. This fast-growing shrub produces enormous, deeply lobed green leaves, reaching up to 1 metre across, on sturdy upright stems.

A striking focal point for exotic borders, it combines beautifully with tree ferns, bananas and other bold foliage plants. Mature specimens may produce large sprays of creamy-white flowers in autumn.

In mild, sheltered conditions, it can eventually reach 4–8 metres high and wide, although frost and pruning can keep it considerably smaller. Grow in full sun or partial shade, in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, protected from strong winds.

Evergreen in frost-free conditions, it usually loses its leaves in colder weather. Rated RHS H4, it benefits from a deep winter mulch and protection while young. It spreads by suckers; remove unwanted shoots to control its spread.