Day 298: Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’

Daily details from the garden to bring you inspiration throughout the year

I’ve been watching the flower buds on my Fatsia japonica (false castor oil plant) bulk up over the past few weeks. Impressive, but nothing on its huge relative, Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ – which shouldn’t be surprising, since that plant takes the fatsia’s 30cm leaves and scales them up to at least three times the size. There’s a fuzzy sheen to the floral parts at this stage, and nestling within the verdant shade at the crown of the plant a world of velveteen ecru, where flower buds unfurl alongside nascent leaves like tiny, importunate hands. It’s a delicate, tactile detail on a plant that’s sought after for its imposing scale.


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Hello! I’m Andrew, gardener, blogger, podcaster, and owner of a too-loud laugh, and I’m so pleased you’ve found your way to Gardens, weeds & words. You can read a more in-depth profile of me on the About page, or by clicking the image above.

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