Pilea matsudae 'Taiwan Silver'

Friendship Plant Urticaceae

A wonderfully unusual hardy Pilea from the mountains of Taiwan, Pilea matsudae ‘Taiwan Silver’ brings a distinctly tropical appearance to the woodland garden without demanding tropical temperatures. Its upright herbaceous stems carry handsome, coarsely toothed leaves boldly marked with silvery-white, creating a lush, luminous understory that looks particularly effective amongst ferns and other shade-loving plants. The species is endemic to Taiwan, where it occurs in cool, shaded mountain forests and ravines at approximately 1,200–2,100m. In cultivation it appreciates a sheltered position, reliable summer moisture and humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil.

‘Taiwan Silver’ appears to be a horticultural selection of the species that has entered specialist cultivation through the international plant trade. It should not be confused with independently collected forms of Pilea matsudae, including a 2011 collection made at approximately 2,100m on Taiping Shan.

Surprisingly hardy for a plant with such an exotic appearance, it makes an excellent choice for the shaded woodland garden. Give it partial to full shade, protection from drying winds and soil that remains consistently moist but well drained. In a sheltered position it can form an impressive clump, with the silver-marked foliage providing an unusual contrast to green ferns and broad-leaved woodlanders.

Height: 60–80cm
Spread: 45–60cm
Flowering: July–October
Hardiness: H4 (-10 to -5°C)
Position: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and well drained
Water: Do not allow to dry out in summer