Fatsia japonica

Size: 0.6m Tall.
Common Name: Castor Oil Plant, Japanese aralia.
Situation: Indoor out of full sun, or outdoor in most conditions.
Hardiness: Hardy.
Eventual Height and Spread: 2.5m x 2.5m.

Searching for an exotic complement to your palm trees and bamboo plants? Look no further than the Japanese aralia, also known as the Fatsia japonica or castor oil plant, a striking, larger than life specimen that is perfect for adding tropical foliage to a like-minded planting scheme.

What makes the Fatsia japonica stand out as such an effective shrub is its versatility. Fatsia is very happy in just about any location indoors or out. Indoors it is frequently used because it does so well in poorly lit spaces, whereas most indoor plants require better light levels. Outdoors the Fatsia again proves its versatility residing happily in dark shady corners or in exposed, sunny and even windy situations.

Fatsia japonica is really one of the few evergreen shrubs that can offer a year round tropical presence with its big glossy-leaved tropical foliage. The fact that the Fatsia can tolerate shady situations and is evergreen really does make this plant invaluable, as so few evergreen shrubs can thrive in this role.Throughout the growing season give Fatsia japonica plenty of water and fertilizer to really encourage it's growth rate and vigour. Fatsia japonica is hardy but can pick up foliage damage in winter in the colder parts of the UK. The damaged foliage can be removed in spring, allowing for vigorous regrowth.

Due to it's tropical appearance we like to work Fatsia japonica into tropical themes with palms such as the Chusan palm (Trachycarpus fortuneii) or any bamboo variety. Working inshady situations plant Fatsia japonica amongst other shade lovers such as tree ferns (Dicksonia antactica) and Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera manicata).