Fatsia japonica

Japanese Aralia
Fatsia japonica
Type: Evergreen Shrub
Exposure: Part Shade
Water: Regular

Here’s a plant that is prized for its lush tropical-looking foliage. Big, bright, glossy green leaves that can reach a whopping 16in (40cm) across start out a light shade of green then darken with age. They are deeply cut and multi-lobed. Fatsias will typically reach 8ft (2.4m) tall and occasionally as wide, although sometimes one comes across an older specimen that is considerably larger. They have a sparse, twisty branching pattern that adds a great structural component to your shade garden, and that looks very effective when uplit. Bloom happens in mid to late fall when most other shrubs have wrapped it up for the year, in the form of multiple, 1in (2.5cm) round, creamy-white clusters of tiny white flowers. These are followed by small black seeds that attract birds. Fatsias are particularly well suited to growing in large containers or as an accent plant for a shady spot within sight of a swimming pool, for that tropical feel. Variegated cultivars, “Spider’s Web” and “Variegata” are also available.

Cheers,

John