Classic PNW shrub False Japanese Aralia as it has been called is a bold, tough, evergreen shrub for part shade to shade. Moderately fast growing to 7′ x 7′ in 7 years. Part shade to shade in rich to average well drained soil. Regular summer irrigation or none when established. Takes dry shade like a champion. Long lived shrub for bold effects in woodlands, large landscapes. Cold hardy and good looking year round. In time it forms stretching trunks with the foliage clustered at the tips. Takes well to hard pruning which should be done in late spring- water well after doing so. Large divided spikes hold white orbicular flowers in autumn. Seldom sets seed in our climate. Moderate deer resistance. Native to Japan.
Genus: Fatsia
Fatsia japonica ‘Murakamo Nishiki’
Fatsias are invaluable in our climate for their tropical good looks, and overall hardiness. They endure dry shade with aplomb and in autumn they explode into exotic bloom with large stems supporting orbicular white flowers. This cultivar has leaves with an interior zone of yellow. Slower growing than the species it will eventually top out at 6′ x 6′ in full to part shade in rich well drained soil. Light summer water. Moderate deer resistance. Cold hardy and very easy to grow. Light consistent summer water speeds growth.
Fatsia japonica ‘Variegata’
Not easy to find this is a most regal evergreen shrub. The large palmate leaves are emargined in splashes of white. In autumn the large candleabra like flowers structures are themselves variegated white. White orbs of flowers at the tips. To 8′ x 8′ in 7 years. Full shade to part shade in average to rich well drained soil. Adapted to dry shade. Drought adapted but tolerates regular irrigation. Fast growing. Variegation becomes more conspicuous as this shrub ages. Moderate deer resistance.