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Fatsia japonica
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Japanese aralia

A medium-sized evergreen shrub of open, spreading habit, with palmately-lobed leaves to 45cm in width and clusters of small, white, globose flowers followed by small, black fruits

Other common names
castor oil plant
fatsi
see morefig-leaf palm
glossy-leaved paper plant
Synonyms
Aralia sieboldii K. Koch
Aralia sieboldii de Vriese
see moreAralia japonica
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn White Green Black
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Araliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Suckering
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Fatsia are evergreen shrubs with stout, sparsely branched stems bearing large, leathery, palmately lobed leaves and small white flowers in terminal compound umbels, followed by small black fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Japan, South Korea

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; can tolerate full shade

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, thrips and mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to a leaf spot and honey fungus

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