Heptapleurum delavayi

Common Names

Delavay's Schefflera, Hardy Schefflera

Summary

Delavay's schefflera is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to China (South-Central and Southeast) and Vietnam, with tropical-looking foliage and large glossy palmately compound leaves up to 18 inches across, each with five leaflets; new spring growth is cloaked in a taupe indumentum that clings briefly, and autumn inflorescences comprise pale yellow flower spikes atop a branching habit.

Cultivation favors well-drained fertile soil (pH 6.0–7.0) with adequate moisture, tolerates full sun to partial shade (leaves smaller and growth slower in full sun), and requires water when the top inch of soil is dry with deep watering for strong roots; fertilize with balanced 10–10–10 every 4–6 weeks during the growing season and prune in early spring to remove dead material and shape; outdoors, space 3–5 feet apart; indoors, mature height can reach up to 10 feet with a 4–6 foot spread, while its fibrous roots reach 2–3 feet deep and overwatering can cause root rot or rootbound conditions, making it a low-maintenance, air-purifying plant suitable for landscape use or containers.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-25 feet

Spread

4-8 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7b-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideal sunlight: full sun to partial shade; tolerates partial sun; thrives in sun and shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, rich, fertile soil, pH 6.0–7.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.0–7.0

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

12-24 inches per year

Seasons of Interest

Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts pollinators in general, tiny white flowers attract an array of pollinators.