Exotic Evergreen Plant from Japan

Fatsia japonica is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in warm temperate regions where winters do not fall below about -15°C. The plant thrives in partial to full shade and is winter-hardy in southern Sweden. It grows, among other places, in parts of, for example, Malmö's gardens.

This is an evergreen shrub that grows 1-5 meters high with stout, sparsely branched stems. The leaves are large, 20-40 centimeters wide on petioles up to 50 centimeters long, leathery, and palmate.

Botanical description

The name "Japanese aralia" comes from the fact that the genus was previously classified in the related genus Aralia. The species originates from southern Japan and southern Korea. The name "fatsi" refers to the Japanese word for "eight" (hachi), which in turn refers to the eight lobes of the leaves. In Japan, it is called yatsude (八つ手), meaning "eight fingers."

Care

It can be grown as a houseplant indoors but is of course most interesting as a garden plant in the open ground. Thrives in slightly moist, well-drained soil. Reaches its final height in 10-20 years. Does not need winter protection in southern Sweden, as long as it is in a relatively sheltered location. Buy Aralia online!