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Schefflera taiwaniana
hardy schefflera
Overview
Schefflera taiwaniana is an evergreen large shrub or small tree reaching 10-16 feet (3-5 m) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide, with an upright, slender, sparsely branched form. The palmately compound leaves have 7 to 9 narrow, leathery, dark green leaflets radiating from a long reddish stalk, each leaflet 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long. New growth and the unfurling leaves are coated in a silvery to rusty felted layer that gives a frosted look before wearing away. It is hardy to around 5-10 degrees F (-15 to -12 C) once established, more cold-tolerant than most scheffleras, though young plants are more tender. The plant forms a single trunk or a few upright stems and holds its foliage year-round. Native to high-elevation forest in Taiwan, it grows in cool, moist, misty, sheltered conditions. Hot, dry exposure and cold, drying winds both scorch the leaves. Mature plants may bear sprays of small greenish flowers in autumn, but flowering is uncommon on younger specimens.
Native Range
Schefflera taiwaniana is native to cool, high-elevation forest in the mountains of Taiwan. It grows in moist, misty, sheltered conditions and is restricted to that island.Suggested Uses
Used as a foliage specimen in sheltered, shaded gardens, woodland edges, and exotic-style plantings. Suited to large containers that can be moved under cover in cold-winter regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 16'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Bloom Information
Flowering is uncommon in cultivation and occurs mainly on mature plants in autumn, as sprays of small greenish flowers. Small fruit may follow. Plants grown in cool climates frequently do not reach flowering size outdoors.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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
Schefflera taiwaniana grows in part shade to full shade in cool, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, sheltered from wind. It tolerates soil pH from about 5.5 to 7.0 and is grown in the ground in mild gardens or in containers where winters are harder. Established plants take steady moisture and cool roots and decline in hot, dry exposure. Cold, drying winds and hard frost damage the foliage and young growth. Waterlogged soil causes root rot. In regions below its hardiness limit it is overwintered under cover.Pruning
Pruning is limited to removing frost-damaged or weak stems in spring. Cutting back the leading stems encourages lower branching on leggy plants. Little routine pruning is needed to maintain its slender form.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons