Scientific name: Fatsia japonica
Family: ARALIACEAE
Common names: “Japanese aralia” “fatsia”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 8-10
Light: Part shade – deep shade, handles more sun with lots of water
Exposure: Sheltered from cold winds
Soil: Fertile humus rich
Moisture: Moist – average well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 9-12′ W 6′
Leaf and Stem shape: Palmate deeply-lobed leathery leaves
Flower: Small white flowers in spherical clusters, followed by black fruits
Pruning: Can be cut back anywhere, handles a very hard rejuvenation prune, prune to shape and size in early Spring
Maintenance: Mulch, may be killed to the ground some winters
Landscape use: Mixed borders, screens, cottage and informal gardens, containers
Propagate: By cuttings
Pests & Disease: Deer will eat what they can reach sometimes
Comments: Creates a tropical look but better in the background than in the spotlight
Cultivars: F. j. ‘Variegata – ~AGM winner, cream margins on leaves
