Schefflera

RHS Plant Profile

ivy tree

Other common names

schefflera, umbrella tree, false aralia

Synonyms

Brassaia

Climber Wall Shrub Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants Shrubs Trees

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A species of fast-growing, tropical, evergreen shrubs, trees or climbers with long-stalked palmately divided green or variegated yellow-green leaves. Long flower spikes with panicles or racemes of small, white or pink flowers may appear on mature plants in summer, followed by spherical orange to purple-red fleshy fruits. Although some varieties can reach up to 9m in their natural habit, they won't grow much more than around 2 to 3m indoors when kept as a houseplant. Some dwarf varieties can be used for bonsai production

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–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): H3

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Araliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Columnar upright
Potentially harmful: Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus: Schefflera can be evergreen shrubs, trees or climbers with long-stalked palmately divided leaves and, on mature plants only, panicles or racemes of small flowers followed by spherical fleshy fruits
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in peat-free houseplant compost in bright, indirect sunlight, preferably in a room where the temperature remains around 12°C. Feed monthly with a general purpose liquid feed during the growing season. Avoid overwatering and re-pot every two to three years. Taller plants may need support. See houseplant cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by cuttings in soil, or in water to develop the roots. Can also be propagated by seed.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Sub-tropical
Low Maintenance
Climber and wall shrubs
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No specific pruning required, but remove dead or damage leaves and stems. Plants can be trimmed back if they become too tall or leggy

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free