Tetrapanax Papyrifer Rice Paper Plant

Tetrapanax Papyrifer is a semi-evergreen, large-leaved exotic plant that suits a sheltered tropical style garden. It’s similar in shape to fatsia japonica and creates striking architectural shapes.

Native to Taiwan and widely grown across east Asia the Rice Paper Plant as it’s better known is an exotic tropical semi-evergreen in a mild climate. In the majority of the UK, it will lose its leaves completely during winter.

It has long clear stems, much like palm trees, topped with large many lobed leaves that reach up to one metre across. Pollinator-magnet sprays of white pompom flowers emerge in mild autumns and are followed by small black berries.

This is an architectural, tropical style choice for sheltered Mediterranean style gardens in milder areas of the UK.

Height And Spread of Tetrapanax Papyrifer
Rice Paper Plant is a fast-growing shrub or small tree that’ll reach 5 metres in height and spread.

How Hardy Is Tetrapanax Papyrifer
This is a hardy shrub through most of the UK but needs a sheltered spot out of wind and frost pockets.

How to Use Tetrapanax Papyrifer
Rice Paper Plant is a tropical addition to Mediterranean, gravel, architectural, or jungle style gardens and a must in foliage gardens. Its metre wide leaves create a shady canopy to sit beneath and pollinators love the autumn flowers that arrive as most nectar sources are drying up.
It’s a striking and unusual choice for wall-side borders, warm sunny patios, and sheltered courtyards.

How To Care for Tetrapanax Papyrifer
Above all Rice Paper Plant needs shelter from wind and plenty of full sun. It tolerates the majority of well-drained fertile soils and will grow in a well-watered and fed container.

In mild areas of the UK it may remain evergreen, but cold winters will cause the leaves to drop or even plant dieback. If this happens, cover the crown with a thick layer of mulch to protect it from frost and rain and it will reshoot from the roots in spring.

Pruning isn’t necessary, but because this is a suckering plant you may want to remove shoots to prevent its spread. Any damaged leaves that spoil the look can be removed throughout the year.

Apply a thick layer of mulch in winter and water it well until established. Container grown Rice Paper Plants need lots of water and plant food to reach their full potential. Be sure to stand the container on feet to drain excess water and avoid root rot.