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The huge hand-shaped foliage of this vigorous shrub make it a must for any serious fan of tropical-effect gardening. Its deeply-lobed leaves have curiously powdery undersides complemented by strange woolly flowers, adding to the plants jungle-like appearance. Despite being evergreen in its moist woodland home of Southern China and Taiwan, this species is usually treated as a half-hardy herbaceous perennial in the UK. Here if given a thick mulch & sheltered spot, plants cut back to ground level by winter frosts will invariably reappear promptly the following spring. For best results, plants should be given a moist, shady and sheltered spot, to mimic the conditions of their forest home. The inner pith of the stems is the source of rice paper, which is used in China to wrap sweets, make handicrafts and even prepare surgical dressings.
Plant type: Tender perennial
Flower colour: Light green
Foliage colour: Dark green, Grey
Feature: Dramatic foliage
Sun exposure: Partial shade, Shade
Soil: Clay/heavy, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline, Moist
Hardiness: Half hardy
Skill level: Experienced
The 'T-Rex' variety is the one to go for. It is reliably hardy in the UK and has huge leaves - easily 60cm each in the first year going to over 1 metre as it matures.
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