x Fatshedera lizei “Lemon and lime”

Aralia Ivy
x Fatshedera lizei “Lemon and lime”
Type: Broadleaf Evergreen Vining Shrub
Exposure: Part / Full Shade
Water: Regular

OK, so what’s with the “x” before the Latin name? The “x” means that the plant is a hybrid, or “cross” between two other plants, in this case Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia) and Hedera helix (English ivy). The glossy green leaves look like large ivy leaves that are splashed with yellow, reaching anywhere from 4-10in (10-25cm) across; the size comes from the fatsia side of the family. Left to its own devices, it will become an irregular shrub, 4-6ft (1.2-1.8m) tall, but will reach higher if the trailing stems are trained on a fence, etc. However, unlike ivy it will not cling by itself; some kind of external support is needed. It’s a good choice for containers, too.

*Pro tip: If you’re looking up this one alphabetically, it’s under “F,” not “X.” You don’t pronounce the “x” either.

Cheers,

John