Japanese Fatsia, Formosa Rice Tree, or Japanese Aralia
Fatsia japonica (formerly Aralia sieboldii) (ARALIACEAE)
Planting and Growing Japanese Fatsia
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow Japanese fatsia, Formosa rice tree, or Japanese aralia in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and fruit of Japanese fatsia, Formosa rice tree, or Japanese aralia
- Growing conditions for Japanese fatsia, Formosa rice tree, or Japanese aralia
- When and where to plant Japanese fatsia, Formosa rice tree, or Japanese aralia
- How to plant Japanese fatsia, Formosa rice tree, or Japanese aralia
- How to shape, prune and control growth of Japanese fatsia, Formosa rice tree, or Japanese aralia
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of Japanese fatsia, Formosa rice tree, or Japanese aralia
- Landscape uses of Japanese fatsia, Formosa rice tree, or Japanese aralia
- Pest and disease control for Japanese fatsia, Formosa rice tree, or Japanese aralia
Growing Japanese Fatsia
Several cultivars of medium-growing, open, tropical-like, evergreen shrubs, to 20 ft. (6 m) high and wide, with shiny, deep green or variegated, 7–11-lobed leaves, to 16 in. (40 cm) wide. Light, crescent-shaped scars of former leaf-stalk nodes frequently mark branches and trunks.
Japanese Fatsia Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Many tiny, white flowers in autumn, in open, dangling clusters, to 18 in. (45 cm) long, form black, round, berrylike fruit, persisting through winter.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 7–10; ground hardy, zones 8–10.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained loam. Fertility: Rich–average. 6.0–6.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Partial to full shade. Space 4–6 ft. (1.2–1.8 m) apart.
Proper Care
Moderate. Keep evenly moist. Fertilize monthly spring–autumn. Mulch. Prune to shape in spring. Remove suckers. Protect from sun, wind in hot climates.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, backgrounds, containers, fencelines, screens in indoor, small-space, tropical gardens. Slug, snail susceptible.