Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’, a magnificent big-leaved exotic plant.

Family Araliaceae. Originating from Taiwan.

• Gargantuan, deeply lobed leaves easily exceed a metre across, forming a spectacular, umbrella-like jungle canopy.
• Late-season creamy sprays of flowers add interest and provide a feast for pollinators at a crucial time of year.
• Extremely fast-growing and easy to establish, it quickly forms a multi-stemmed prehistoric specimen.

Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ In Your Garden

Add some pure, unadulterated prehistoric drama to your garden. This spectacular variety adds sensational scale and dense lushness with its deeply lobed foliage. Evergreen in mild winters, it quickly forms a rewardingly fast-growing canopy of fresh new foliage in spring. The late-season flowers and autumn fruits are an added bonus.  

Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ is root hardy in all but the coldest UK gardens. Growing to 4m x 4m in just 2-5 years, it may form a natural-looking clump of many stems. It’s a rare deciduous Urban Jungle recommendation for contemporary gardens, such is its architectural impact. Additionally, it makes a great specimen for woodland, jungle, and oriental gardens and grows well in large pots.

New spring growth emerges cloaked in a soft, coppery down that gradually sheds. In late autumn, creamy, pompom-like flowers emerge, borne on branching structures called inflorescences that bear many individual blooms. They provide a crucial, late-season feast for local pollinators. During mild autumn weather, black fruits are borne, attracting birds.

Did you know?

The pith inside the thick, woody stems is traditionally used in Taiwan and China. It is cut spirally to produce exquisite, thin, nearly translucent sheets of paper for watercolour painting. Contrary to its common name, this delicate material is actually not made from rice at all.

Growing Tips for Your Big-Leaved Exotic Plant, Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’

• Soil and Sun: plant in any free-draining soil in full sun or partial shade.
• Planting: from early spring to early autumn, preferably in a sheltered position to protect it from strong winds.
• Watering and care: moderate; water young plants frequently during the spring and summer growing season whilst establishing. Severe winters may damage its growing tips or upper stems, but it may re-shoot from lower on the trunk. In extreme cold, it will re-grow from the roots in spring.
• Pruning: none required. Remove less-than-perfect leaves during the season by pulling the stem gently downward from the trunk. It may produce suckers, forming a multi-stemmed clump; these are shallow-rooted and easily removed if desired.

Imported to the UK during the nineteenth century, this spectacular botanical giant continues to redefine exotic garden design. Its young, lush, shrubby form evolves into a tree-like plant, making it a specimen clump you can walk underneath. Plant yours in a sheltered spot and watch your garden transform. Purchase your big-leaved exotic plant today to start your jungle journey.