Aralia echinocaulis

Shrubs Trees

A hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree which may reach a height of up to 10m in its natural habitat, less within UK gardens, with very large, bipinnate green foliage which turns to yellows, browns and purples in the autumn, and a sharply spiny single dark brown stem. Umbels of fragrant, purplish-white flowers appear from June to August, followed by clusters of small, dark purple to black berries from September to November

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Araliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
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
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well drained soil in partial shade. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves. Protect from very cold winters

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or hardwood cuttings in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Tidy up in spring

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