About
A large, fast-growing semi-evergreen shrub or small tree to around 2m in height (up to 5m in the wild), with very large, palmately lobed green leaves. The leaves have an orangey woolly coating and can reach widths of over 1m. Pale, creamy pompoms of flowers are produced in large sprays in autumn through to winter. This plant was shortlisted for the Plant Heritage Threatened Plant of the Year 2025.
About the genus
Tetrapanax are suckering, evergreen shrubs or small trees, with large, palmately-lobed leaves. The flowers are produced in large, woolly sprays, attractive to bees, followed by black fruit
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from cold winds and provide a deep mulch over winter in cold areas. If kept frost-free it will be evergreen; with mild frosts the plant is deciduous, and in colder areas it may die back to ground level then reshoot from the roots
PruningRemove dead or damaged leaves as necessary. Remove suckers if you want to prevent the spread of established clumps
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by division, removing suckers in spring or summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free