Fatsia japonica
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JAPANESE ARALIA, JAPANESE FATSIA
syn. Aralia japonica, Aralia sieboldii
Family: Araliaceae
Pronounced: FAT-see-ah jah-PON-ih-kah
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
South Korea, Japan.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
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Mature size: Height: 5-12 feet (1.5-4 m). Width: 5-12 feet (1.5-4 m).
Flowering period: Fall.
Flowering attributes: 1/4 inch cream-white flowers on umbels.
Leaf attributes: Large, deeply lobed (7-11 lobes), glossy green leaves up 16 inches wide.
Light: Full sun (in the PNW) to light, dappled shade.
Soil: Humus rich, acidic, moist, but well-drained, (especially in winter) fertile soil.
Feeding: During growing season, provide a monthly feeding of a complete organic fertilizer. If leaves keep turning yellow, provide iron.
Propagation Methods: Sow seed in spring or fall at 60-70°F (16-21°C). | Take cuttings in early summer.
Pruning Methods: Prune to give more branch structure if wanted. Cut to the ground to rejuvenate shrub in spring if neccessary. Cut out any suckers if not wanted.
Pests and Diseases: No serious problems.
Rainy Side Notes
Introduced to Europe in 1838, Fatsia offers a bold tropical look to the Northwest garden. Black fruit follows the creamy white flowers and ripens in late winter. In 2003, Fatsia was chosen as a Great Plant Pick for the Pacific Northwest.
In Japan, the shrub was traditionally planted on the north side of a home to help ward off bad spirits. My favorite place to plant it is in light shade on the east side of my home, with ferns and our native Vancouveria at its feet. I can testify that there are no bad spirits hanging out around our home. The bold foliage of fatsia with delicate ferns and ground covers are a nice folia combination.
I read warnings to bait for slugs; however, I've never observed a problem on this shrub.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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