Family: Araliaceae
Common Name: Japanese Aralia

Allied to Aralia, the two or three species in the genus are native to eastern Asia. Attractive, evergreen plants grown worldwide as indoor specimens, they are valued for their large, deeply lobed, glossy, dark green leaves and their huge sprays of tiny, milky white flowers. They grow to a height of 2-4 m (6-13 ft).

Species

F. japonica produces whitish flowers in autumn, followed by black fruit. The leaves are about 40 cm (16 in) across. The cultivar 'Variegata' has cream-edged margins. Other named varieties have larger leaves, different variegations or a more compact habit.

Cultivation

In cool climates, Fatsia can be grown outdoors, provided it is positioned in full shade or half shade and given protection from prevailing winds. Indoors, plant in good quality potting mix and water regularly in the summer months. Propagate from cuttings or seed.

Climate

Zone 8.