x Fatshedera lizei, fatshedera
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Vines & Groundcovers

x Fatshedera lizei

fatshedera

Araliaceae

Garden hybrid; no native range. Parent species from Japan and Atlantic Europe/North Africa.

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

× Fatshedera lizei is a bigeneric hybrid evergreen shrub with semi-woody, scrambling stems reaching 6–12 feet (1.8–3.7 m) tall when supported and 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) wide as an unsupported mound. The plant does not self-cling like true ivies; stems require tying to supports to climb. Leaves are palmate with 5–7 lobes, 4–10 inches (10–25 cm) across, glossy dark green above and slightly paler beneath, intermediate in size between its parent genera Fatsia japonica and Hedera. In October and November, small whitish-green flowers appear in terminal rounded clusters 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across; flowers are not ornamentally significant. Fruit is a small black berry, rarely produced in quantity. Growth rate is moderate, adding 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year. Stems are killed to the ground at temperatures below 10–15°F (-12 to -9°C) but may resprout from the roots. Leaf edges can scorch in direct afternoon sun in hot summers or in desiccating winter winds.

Native Range

× Fatshedera lizei has no native range; it is a garden-raised bigeneric hybrid first produced in 1910 at the Frères Lize nursery in Nantes, France. Parent species originate from Japan (Fatsia japonica) and the Atlantic coast of Europe and North Africa (Hedera hibernica).

Suggested Uses

Used as a large-leaved foliage shrub in shaded borders, against north- or east-facing walls, and under canopy trees where bold leaf texture is desired. Trained against a wall, fence, or trellis as a supported climber in zones 7–10. Grown in containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L) and overwintered indoors in zones below 7. The plant fills a 6-foot (1.8 m) vertical space within 3–4 years when provided with support.

How to Identify

Identified by its large palmate leaves with 5–7 broad lobes, 4–10 inches (10–25 cm) across, that are intermediate between the smaller lobed leaves of ivy and the larger rounded leaves of Fatsia. Stems are semi-woody and do not produce clinging rootlets. The plant has a loose, open shrubby habit and must be tied to climb; it will flop into a mound without support.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 12'
Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
green

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Fall
Blooms October through November in zones 7–10. Flowers are small, whitish-green, and held in rounded terminal clusters 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across. Individual clusters last 2–4 weeks. The bloom period is not a primary ornamental feature; the plant is grown primarily for foliage.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

whitish-green

Foliage Description

glossy dark green above, slightly paler beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-4 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade; direct afternoon sun causes leaf scorch and bleaching, particularly in summer and in zone 8 and warmer. Water weekly for the first growing season; established plants tolerate moderate drought but maintain better foliage density with consistent soil moisture. Protect from desiccating winds in winter, which cause leaf edge browning. If stems are killed by frost, cut back to the ground in late winter; new shoots emerge from the base if roots survive. Fertilize once in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Spider mites may colonize plants grown in hot, dry conditions; increase humidity and air circulation to discourage infestation.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove frost-damaged or dead stems at the base. Tip-pinch actively growing shoots in spring to encourage branching and a denser habit; without pinching, the plant produces long, sparse stems. If trained as a climber, tie new growth to supports every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans