Overview
Aralia macrophylla is a plant with a shrub, small tree habit in the genus Aralia, part of the Araliaceae family, with evergreen, large, deeply lobed foliage. Aralia macrophylla grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include specimen plant, hedging and woodland garden.
About
Aralia macrophylla is a cultivar of the Aralia genus, belonging to the Araliaceae family. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree notable for its large, deeply lobed foliage. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring east- or west-facing, sheltered positions. It grows well in moist but well-drained soils, including loam and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for use as a specimen plant, in hedging, or within woodland gardens. Propagation can be achieved by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.
About the genus
Aralia, or spikenard, is a genus of the family Araliaceae, consisting of 68 accepted species of deciduous or evergreen trees, shrubs, and rhizomatous herbaceous perennials. The genus is native to Asia and the Americas, with most species occurring in mountain woodlands. Aralia plants vary in size, with some herbaceous species only reaching 50 centimetres (20 in) tall, while some are trees growing to 20 metres (66 ft) tall.
Wikipedia contributors, "Aralia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aralia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aralia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Aralia macrophylla size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub, Small tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Large, Deeply lobed
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plant, Hedging, Woodland garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aralia macrophylla
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids, scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildew, root rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aralia macrophylla?
Aralia macrophylla prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aralia macrophylla need?
Aralia macrophylla grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Aralia macrophylla hardy in the UK?
Aralia macrophylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Aralia macrophylla?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.