About

An evergreen shrub to 2m high, with a spreading habit and large, palmately lobed leaves, bright yellow-green in the centre with irregular splashes of rich green at the margins. In autumn, mature plants produce round, greenish white flower heads at the tips of the stems, these are followed by clusters of small black berries in late winter or early spring.

About the 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

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityFruit 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

Care notes

CultivationGrows best in moist but well-drained soil, in light or partial shade and with protection from cold drying winds
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by air layering in spring or late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, thrips and mealybugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot and honey fungus