Metapanax delavayi

Common Names

Delavay's Metapanax

Summary

Delavay's aralia is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to southern-central China and northern Vietnam, with glossy leaves that are simple or compound and persist year-round. It grows upright with branches turning vertical like an upside-down candelabra, reaching up to about 16 feet tall and half as wide, with new leaves emerging quickly in spring. Summer displays feature large sprays of small greenish flowers at branch tips, followed by clusters of black berries that attract birds.

In cultivation, it is fast-growing in rich soil with regular summer water and tolerates sun to mostly shade in woodland conditions; hardy to USDA zones 7a–9b; best in well-drained, moist soil with even moisture and heat tolerance. Commonly used as an ornamental garden plant, hedge, or accent, it adds tropical beauty to landscapes; propagation is by seed or cuttings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-16 feet

Spread

6-10 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf, can become semi-deciduous below 10°F

Growth Rate

Fast growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, other pollinators, and birds