Heptapleurum delavayi
Delavay's schefflera
Central and southwestern China, eastern Himalayas
Overview
Heptapleurum delavayi, formerly classified as Schefflera delavayi, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) tall and 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) wide. The large palmately compound leaves have 6–9 leaflets, each 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long with wavy, lobed margins, glossy dark green above and coated in pale tan to silvery felt beneath. Young growth and leaf stalks carry the same felt. In autumn, branched panicles of small white flowers rise above the foliage, followed by dark berry-like fruit. The plant grows upright with sparse branching and a bold, architectural outline. It tolerates partial shade and is grown for foliage in mild and sheltered gardens. Hard frost below about 10°F (−12°C) damages the leaves and stems, and wind tears the large leaflets in exposed sites. Growth slows in deep shade and poor soil.
Native Range
Heptapleurum delavayi is native to central and southwestern China, where it grows in mountain forests and on shaded slopes. It ranges into the eastern Himalayas at moderate elevations.Suggested Uses
Heptapleurum delavayi is used as an evergreen foliage specimen in sheltered courtyards, shaded borders, and exotic or jungle-style plantings, spaced 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) apart. It combines with ferns, bamboos, and other bold-leaved plants. Its size and frost-sensitivity make it less suited to small or cold, exposed gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in autumn, roughly September to November, on branched panicles of many small white flowers held above the leaves. Dark berry-like fruit follows where the season is long enough to ripen it. The flowers draw late-season pollinators.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Heptapleurum delavayi grows in partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It needs shelter from cold and drying wind, which tears the large leaflets and damages soft growth. Hard frost below about 10°F (−12°C) harms the foliage, so a protected position suits it in colder zones. Steady moisture supports growth, while winter wet around the roots in heavy soil causes rot. A mulch layer conserves moisture and protects the root zone. Little pruning or feeding is needed once it is established.Pruning
Little pruning is needed beyond removing cold-damaged or wind-torn leaves in spring. The stems can be cut back to a lower bud to limit height or restart bushier growth. Heavy cutting reduces the bold leaf display for a season while the plant regrows.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons