About
A tender evergreen shrub up to around 4m high, with large, bristly, deeply lobed palmate leaves that are flushed red when young. Flowering panicles, made up of tiny rounded clusters of white flowers, are produced in winter or in summer, sometimes followed by round green berries that ripen to near black.
About the genus
A genus of mainly evergreen, tropical shrubs and trees native to Central and South America, with variable, palmate, lobed, or radially compound leaves. Panicles of tiny, pale, cream white or greenish-white flowers are followed by dark berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationMay be grown outdoors in a frost-free area, though young plants may need protection until established. Otherwise grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based compost, with protection from hot sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free