Metapanax davidii

Metapanax davidii is one of the rarest hardy evergreens we offer: a Chinese member of the ivy family that builds slowly into a broad, glossy shrub of remarkable presence. The deep green leaves shift between entire, two lobed and three lobed forms on the same plant, so the canopy has the rich, varied texture of arborescent ivy sculpted into a freestanding specimen.Native to China and northern Vietnam and once classified under Pseudopanax, it is rated H4 and takes around -10C once established, sailing through most British winters. In summer, mature plants add long terminal sprays of small white umbel flowers followed by black fruits, a magnet for late-season pollinators.How and where to grow Position: sun or shade, ideally with shelter from cold winds. Soil: any reasonable free-draining soil; unfussy about type or pH. Size: slowly to around 3 m tall and broad. Hardiness: H4, to around -10C established. Its tolerance of shade makes it a rare thing: a genuinely architectural evergreen for the darker side of the garden. Use it to anchor an exotic border, bring structure to shaded corners, or stand alone among architectural foliage. Collectors of hardy Araliaceae can pair it with the New Zealand lancewood and Schefflera taiwaniana for a family portrait few gardens can match.Nursery-grown and scarce: we hold only a handful of plants. See our seasonal expectations guide for honest winter advice.