Aralia elata

RHS Plant Profile

angelica tree

RHS 2002

Other common names

Japanese angelica tree, Japanese spikenard

Synonyms

Aralia chinensis misapplied
Aralia chinensis var. nuda
Aralia spinosa misapplied

Shrubs Trees

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A large deciduous shrub or small open tree to 10m, with very large bipinnate leaves at the tips of stout, spiny stems. Flowers tiny, cream, in large billowy panicles

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: wider than 8 metres
Max Height: 8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Neutral

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: West–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Araliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Aralia can be deciduous trees, shrubs or perennials, with large, simple or pinnately compound leaves and tiny greenish-white flowers in large terminal clusters, followed by small black fruits
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: E Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in partial shade. Shelter from strong winds that may damage the leaves

Propagation

Propagate by seed when ripe or root cuttings and suckers. Variegated cultivars must be grafted

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility