Tetrapanax papyrifer

Germination

Sow indoors immediately. Prior to sowing soak seed in warm water, or a seaweed extract, for 24 hours. Drain, then surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of vermiculite or soil. Place in a propagator. Ideal temp. 15-20°C. Light is needed for germination. Keep moist. Germination is from 7 days but can take much longer. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Grow on under glass for 1-2 years. Use as a house plant or acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. Each seed capsule contains 2 seeds. If planting in the garden consider restricting root spread, planting the shrub in a large pot and plunging this into the ground is recommended.

Growing

Grow as a house plant or in a warm, sheltered spot in the garden. Prefers any well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from cold winds. Frost will cause die back in foliage, but the plant will regrow from the roots. Offer a deep mulch over winter. If keep frost-free the plant will be evergreen. In its native environment this shrub can grow to 5 meters, in the UK it is likely to be much smaller. In ideal growing conditions the plant can send out long root runners. To restrict the growth of the runners it is suggested to grow the plant in a large pot, the large pot can then be plunged directly into the ground, the pot should offer the desired restriction.

Cultivation

Propagate by seed or by division, removing suckers in spring or summer.