Fatsia japonica

Native Range: Japan

Sun/Shade: Prefers shade or part-shade

Foliage: This plant is grown for its large, shiny maple tree like leaves. Landscape Use: Great evergreen foliage plant for shady backgrounds or mass plantings. Does show some freeze damage on top growth, after very hard freezes, but this should not kill well established plants in the San Antonio area.

Container Use: Attractive in containers on porches or in shade.

Size: Four to six feet tall and about three feet wide.

Type: Tropical evergreen shrub.

Deer Resistance: Not enough information.

Drought Tolerance: Surprisingly drought tolerant.

Soil: Not particular about soil as long as it drains well and does not remain constantly wet. Does well in rocky soil or even better with soil enhancement.

Water: Smart Watering Principle=Water well when first planted then allow to dry slightly, without wilting, then water deeply again, etc. Do not keep constantly wet.

Fertilizer: Looks even better with regular fertilization.

Maintenance Tips: Can remove lower growth to create a tree effect or trim lower as a shrub. Remove old leaves or ones that have been damaged so that the plant will put on new growth more rapidly.  Can remove all leaves when it begins to grow actively for a fresh foliage start.

Rating: Rates high as a landscape plant.

Japanese Aralia