About
This large, fast-growing shrub or small tree to about 5m high, producing a thicket of upright stems topped by very large, deeply lobed green leaves up to 1m across. New shoots and leaves have a coating of fine, pale brown hairs. Creamy pompoms of flowers are produced in large sprays in autumn, followed by black fruit.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitColumnar upright, Bushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Sub-tropical, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in 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