Overview

Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web' is a bushy shrub in the genus Fatsia, part of the Araliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web' grows best in full sun, partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, architectural, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants and wall side borders. It is native to Southern Japan and Southern Korea.

About

Fatsia japonica, also fatsi, paperplant, false castor oil plant, or Japanese aralia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae, native to southern Japan and southern Korea.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Fatsia japonica

About the genus

Fatsia is a small genus of three species of evergreen shrubs in the family Araliaceae native to Korea, southern Japan and Taiwan. They typically have stout, sparsely branched stems bearing spirally-arranged, large leathery, palmately lobed leaves 20–50 cm in width, on a petiole up to 50 cm long, and small creamy-white flowers in dense terminal compound umbels in late autumn or early winter, followed by small black fruit.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Fatsia

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade, Full shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrub
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Architectural, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Wall side borders
Native to
Southern Japan, Southern Korea

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web'

Cultivation
Prefers sheltered locations; protect from strong winds; tolerates shade; water regularly during dry periods
Pruning
Prune in early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged growth
Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Scale insects, Thrips, Mealybugs
Disease resistance
Leaf spot, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web'?

Prefers sheltered locations; protect from strong winds; tolerates shade; water regularly during dry periods.

Where is the best place to plant Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web'?

Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web' prefers full sun, partial shade and full shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web' need?

Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web'?

Prune in early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged growth.

Is Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web' hardy in the UK?

Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web'?

Semi-hardwood cuttings.