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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
8 - 10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Fatsia japonica is fatsia (Japanese aralia), an evergreen shrub growing 72–120 inches (180–300 cm) tall and 72–96 inches (180–240 cm) wide. Large glossy deeply palmately lobed leaves 8–16 inches (20–40 cm) across with 7–9 pointed lobes — the bold leaf size creates a tropical appearance in temperate shade gardens. Cream-white spherical flower umbels 1 inch (2.5 cm) arranged in large terminal panicles in late fall to early winter (October–December) — one of the few shrubs flowering in this period, when the spherical umbel clusters are a late-season nectar source for flies and late-flying bees. Small black berry-like fruit in late winter. In the ivy/ginseng family (Araliaceae) — related to Hedera (ivy). The intergeneric hybrid × Fatshedera lizei (Fatsia × Hedera hibernica) combines Fatsia leaf shape with Hedera climbing habit. Cultivars: 'Spider's Web' (white-speckled leaves), 'Variegata' (cream-edged). Tolerates deep shade, urban pollution, and coastal salt spray. Full sun causes leaf scorch — partial shade to full shade. Damaged below 15°F (−9°C) — suited to zones 8–10; sheltered positions in zone 7. All parts contain falcarinol — a mild skin irritant and gastrointestinal toxin. Native to Japan and South Korea, growing in coastal forest understory. Drought-tolerant once established in shade. Deer-resistant. Zones 8–10. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Japan and South Korea, growing in coastal and lowland forest understory.Suggested Uses
Grown in deep shade and sheltered positions in zones 8–10. The bold tropical-looking foliage and the late-season flowers are the features. Tolerates pollution and salt spray. 'Spider's Web' for white-speckled leaves. All parts mildly toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Late fall to early winter (October–December), lasting 3–4 weeks. Cream-white spherical flower umbels in terminal panicles. Small black fruit in late winter. One of the few shrubs flowering in this period.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream-white, in spherical umbels 1 inch (2.5 cm) arranged in large terminal paniclesFoliage Description
Dark green, glossy, deeply palmately lobed (7-9 lobes), 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) acrossGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade to full shade — full sun causes leaf scorch. Tolerates deep shade, pollution, salt spray. Damaged below 15°F (−9°C). All parts contain falcarinol (skin irritant, GI toxin). Drought-tolerant in shade. Deer-resistant. Zones 8–10.Pruning
Prune for shape in early spring (March–April). Tolerates hard renovation pruning — cut to 12 inches (30 cm) and the plant regrows from the stump. Remove leggy stems to maintain a compact form. Remove suckers if not desired.Pruning Schedule
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early springspring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons