Tetrapanax papyrifer: Rice-Paper Plant for Giant Lobed Leaves and Tropical Drama

Rice-Paper Plant (Tetrapanax papyrifer), syn. Aralia papyrifer, is a thicket-forming, sparsely branched evergreen shrub behaving like an herbaceous perennial in Zones 6–7. Large—up to 20 inches across—almost rounded, lobed leaves in downy gray-tinged green contrast beautifully with companions. White flowers on branching stems to 20 inches long appear in fall. Flowers attract bees. Spreads vigorously once established.

Growing Conditions

Well-drained soil in sun or part shade. In Zones 6–7, plant early, then deep mulch (18+ inches beyond shoots) in late fall. Good drainage and extra heat help overwintering. Propagate by removing suckers in spring. Infrequent problems.

Key Features at a Glance

• Height: 10–15 ft.
• Spread: 10–15 ft.
• Growth Habit: Spreading, Fast
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Dry to Medium
• Maintenance: Low
• Characteristics: Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage
• Bloom Time: Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
• Flower Color: White
• Uses: Beds, Borders, Containers
• Type: Shrubs