A big, glossy, deeply lobed evergreen that brings a lush tropical look to a shady room where most large-leaved plants struggle.
Fatsia japonica is a hardy shrub that is grown as much indoors as out, and it is one of the best plants for a north-facing room, a hallway, a bathroom or an office corner with limited natural light. The leaves are large, hand-shaped and glossy dark green, and they give a plant a bold architectural presence from the moment it arrives. In late autumn a mature plant carries rounded heads of creamy flowers, followed by black berries, and outdoors these are a valuable last nectar source for bees and hoverflies.
Indoors it wants a cool, bright room out of direct sun; hot afternoon sun scorches the leaves. It prefers cooler temperatures between about 10C and 20C, so keep it away from radiators. Water regularly to keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, feed once a month in spring and summer, and wipe the leaves now and then to keep them glossy. It can also go outside, where it is hardy across most of Britain in partial or full shade and in a large container; a hard frost may damage the big leaves but it normally shoots again in spring.
Supplied as one established plant in a 3 litre pot. The berries and leaves are harmful if eaten, so keep it away from children and pets.
Cultural Information
Common Name: Paper plant, Japanese aralia, castor oil plant
Fully Grown Height and Spread: Up to 2 to 4m x 2 to 4m outdoors; much more compact indoors
Growth Habit: Upright and spreading evergreen shrub
Perfect For: Shaded rooms, north-facing windows, bathrooms, offices, or a shady patio pot
Foliage: Large, deeply lobed, glossy dark green evergreen leaves
Flowering Time: Autumn to early winter
Planting Position: Medium or low light indoors, out of direct sun; shade or partial shade outdoors
Soil Type: Well-drained houseplant compost, kept moist
Hardiness: Hardy across most of Britain when grown outdoors; sold here as a houseplant
Maintenance: Low; regular watering and an occasional wipe of the leaves
Seasonal Interest: Autumn and winter flowers and berries, with evergreen foliage all year
Type: Evergreen shrub grown indoors or out
