Overview
Polyscias fruticosa is a bushy houseplants in the genus Polyscias, part of the Araliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3–5 metres tall. Polyscias fruticosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Polyscias fruticosa, or Ming aralia, is a perennial dicot evergreen shrub or dwarf tree in the ivy family Araliaceae, found in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant grows fairly slowly, up to 3–5 metres (9.8–16.4 ft) in height. The leaves are tripinnate, with a glossy surface. Ming aralia is commonly grown as an ornamental and a potherb, valued for its culinary and medicinal uses. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it needs a warm, frost-free position in the UK (RHS H1c). It works well for houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polyscias fruticosa
About the genus
Polyscias is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araliaceae with a natural distribution from tropical Africa through Southeast Asia and Australia to islands of the Pacific. As of February 2026, Plants of the World Online recognises 28 synonyms and about 180 species for the genus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Polyscias", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polyscias
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polyscias
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Polyscias fruticosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Houseplants
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 3–5 metres
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polyscias fruticosa
- Propagation
- Greenwood cuttings in early summer, root leafless stem sections with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Polyscias fruticosa?
Polyscias fruticosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Polyscias fruticosa need?
Polyscias fruticosa grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Polyscias fruticosa grow?
Polyscias fruticosa reaches a height of 3–5 metres.
Is Polyscias fruticosa hardy in the UK?
Polyscias fruticosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Polyscias fruticosa?
Greenwood cuttings in early summer, root leafless stem sections with bottom heat in summer.