About Fatsia Japonica (Japanese Aralia)
Fatsia japonica is an evergreen shrub known for its highly attractive, lush foliage. Its large, green leaves with fingered lobes give the plant a bold and distinctive appearance. While its foliage is the true star of this plant, winter welcomes creamy-white spherical umbels with developing green fruit emerge atop thick, pale stems, adding striking contrast to the dense greenery. Its ornamental fruit emerges as its interesting flowers fade away. Reaching an average mature landscape size of 5-10 feet tall and a 5-10 feet spread, this variety grows in a rounded form at a moderately fast rate- roughly 8-16 inches under ideal conditions.
Origin And Landscape Adaptability
Native to Japan, as its common name suggests, Japanese Aralia is a member of the ginseng family and is highly tolerant of shade, sandy coastal soils, and urban pollution. However, overly watered soils can cause root rot, so proper drainage is essential.
Care And Planting Instruction
Plant Japanese Aralia in an area that receives full to partial shade exposure using well draining soil. Water regularly after planting to help it establish well to its new location, then reduce frequency. As noted above, be sure to allow the top 2 inches of the soil to dry out before watering again. Light pruning in the spring can be done to help encourage new growth or to clean up its size or appearance.
Landscape Design Ideas
Fatsia Japonica is an excellent option for an irregular border or screen. Its tropical look could make it an appropriate border to a shady poolside or coastal landscape designs. It can also be planted in soil or containers.
