Fatsia japonica

Common name: Japanese Aralia

Description: Fatsia japonica is a bold and dramatic evergreen shrub producing very large, glossy, deeply palmate leaves that create a lush, almost tropical atmosphere in UK gardens. In autumn, it produces unusual and striking spherical heads of small creamy-white flowers on branched stems, which are highly attractive to late-season insects. Tolerant of deep shade, pollution, and coastal conditions, it is an excellent plant for urban and courtyard gardens, large containers, and shaded borders. Its architectural foliage provides year-round structure.

Other benefits: bold architectural evergreen foliage, tolerates deep shade, autumn flowers attract pollinators

Wildlife attraction: bees and hoverflies visit the autumn flowers; provides shelter for birds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2.5m x 2.5m

Position: partial shade to full shade; tolerates full sun in moist soils

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid

Moisture: moist but well-drained; shelter from cold drying winds

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to -10°C