Schefflera taiwaniana
We have long been fascinated by the beauty of the hardy Scheffleras that will grow in our location. Over the years this group of plants have regularly featured in the blog and even now as they are far more widely available (and to some extend more affordable) they have a fascination with many.There is much debate currently as to the correct nomenclature for much of the genus - Heptapleurum being the suggested correct name. For the purpose of this post we will stick with Schefflera, but feel free to shout at the screen that we are incorrect!
Looking back at some of our old posts, such as this one from 2014 I am amazed by some of the growth we have seen.
2014 - Schefflera rhododendrifolia on the middle patio
The same plant today - harder to photograph
This Schefflera rhododendrifolia is probably the longest grown in our garden, not the oldest we have, I'll come on to that later. It came back with us from a trip to Cornwall and has sailed though British winters for a good 12 years or more. Its a good 3.5m to 4m tall now (13feet or so) and has been sending out a number of shoots from nearer the base over the last few years. Its growing in a fairly free draining clay soil, and probably benefits from the taller bamboo canopy behind it. Despite having seen some tough winters (-10C and a week of sub zero temperatures back in 2010) its never shown any sign of distress or damage from cold. Schefflera rhododendrifolia does seem to have significant variability, this form by the Koi pond, came as a rooted cutting from Tom Hudson at Tregrehan.Schefflera rhododendrifolia from Tregrehan
Its growing in a raised bed filled with the spoil from digging the koi pond - so again clay, but reasonably free draining. This year it has produced a large amount of berries, which were not affected by the recent cold - unlike some berries on other Schefflera.Schefflera rhododendrifolia berries
Another Schefflera rhododendrifolia also with berries, is the "Garden House" form. So called as much of the seed/cutting material used to propogate a few years ago came from a plant at The Garden House in Devon (sadly the parent plant has subsequently died). This seems to be the most commonly availably S. rhododendrifolia we have noticed in nurseries in the UK, and has foliage much closer to that of a typical Rhododendron.
Schefflera rhododendrifolia (Garden House) in 2014
We havenet noticed any diffence in hardiness between the various forms, although in our garden the "Garden House" form seems to be the most vigorous regardless of location.I said earlier that I would come back to the oldest Schefflera we have, which is a S. taiwaniana. This was bought from a fellow gardener that was moving home and unable to take many of his plants with him. We had to dig it up and initially re-establish in a pot before planting in its current position. It has an extremely open and spreading habit, especially when compared to the more upright forms of S. rhododendrifolia in our garden.Schefflera aff. myriocarpa in 2014
Schefflera aff. myriocarpa in 2021
Schefflera aff. myriocarpa today
A recently planted Schefflerashweliensis from Pan Global Plants. Will be looking forward to seeing how this one does in the coming years. This one comes from the Eastern Himalaya and these were found in Nagaland, NE India. This one is a fairly recently introduction, so will be good to see how it performs. A week of close to freezing temperatures and an absolute low of -5C hasn't caused any noticeable problems for our plant.Schefflera delavayi
Schefflera delavayi |
Schefflera kornasii
Our Schefflera kornasii has some shelter and has so far proved hardy in our location.
Schefflera alpina
Schefflera alpina, recently planted in 2020 but expected to do well in our location. Hopefully will be able to share positive updates on this one in the future.
Schefflera fantsipanensis
Schefflera fantsipanensis had been languishing in the greenhouse for far too long, but we planted this out last year. Currently looking rather leggy, we hope to see this one establish well.Schefflera gracilis x taiwaniana
Schefflera gracilis x taiwaniana has been in this spot for several years, fairly sheltered by the jungle hut it has grown rather leggy with a branches over the top of the building that gave it shelter as a young plant. However it is now branching lower down so hopefully will fill out and reach its potential.I have no doubt forgotten one or two others in the garden, but they will have to wait for another day!Gaz