Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Steroidal Giant'

For a truly tropical look in a temperate garden, Tetrapanax 'Steroidal Giant' is a plant for you! Giant rice paper plant can reach the epic size of 25' tall from Zone 8b south (compared to 10' for the typical species). In dieback climates, expect only half this height...a measly 10-12'. The brown hairy stalks are clothed with giant 3-5' wide, fuzzy, castor bean-shaped leaves. Tetrapanax 'Steroidal Giant' root suckers underground, although less than the typical form, and fortunately it's easy to remove. Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Steroidal Giant' first came from a gardener in Japan to Hawaii, then to the California Bay area, thanks to nurseryman Ed Carman, who kept it in a 1-gallon pot for 20 years. It was seen by plantsman Roger Warner, who, thinking it was a dwarf, planted a piece in the ground. As the story continues, after the size shock, Roger shared a piece with Sean Hogan, who graciously shared with us...whew! Thanks, guys...for a dazzling new introduction.