Fatsia japonica (outdoor)

Description and Characteristics

Fatsia japonica, also known as Japanese Aralia, is a bold, evergreen shrub prized for its tropical-looking foliage, architectural shape, and ability to thrive in shade. Native to Japan and South Korea, it brings lush, year-round structure to gardens, with its large, glossy, palmate leaves that can reach up to 40 cm across.

In autumn, mature plants produce curious clusters of creamy-white flowers shaped like rounded fireworks, followed by small black berries. These blooms are attractive to pollinators, and the plant serves as an excellent late-season nectar source for bees.

Fatsia is a versatile, hardy shrub, reaching 1.5 to 2.5 metres in height and spread, making it ideal for shaded borders, north-facing walls, and underplanting in woodland gardens. Despite its exotic appearance, it is remarkably tough and low-maintenance, suitable for both traditional and contemporary garden styles.

• Evergreen shrub with large, deeply lobed glossy leaves

• Flowers: Creamy-white spheres in autumn; sometimes followed by berries

• Height & spread: 1.5–2.5 m

• Hardy, shade-tolerant, and ideal for low-maintenance planting schemes

• Provides year-round foliage interest and shelter for wildlife

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Fatsia japonica is a shade-tolerant and resilient plant, ideal for UK and Irish gardens. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, but tolerates a wide range of conditions, making it perfect for difficult shady corners.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers partial to full shade

  • Can tolerate some morning or filtered sun, but avoid hot midday exposure

  • Excellent for north- and east-facing aspects

• Soil Preferences:

  • Thrives in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter

  • Will grow in clay, loam, or sandy soils if well-prepared

  • pH: Neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the first growing season

  • Once established, is moderately drought-tolerant, especially in shade

  • Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Feeding:

  • Not a heavy feeder, but benefits from annual mulch or slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • Container-grown plants should be fed monthly in the growing season

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Requires minimal pruning—remove damaged or yellowing leaves as needed

  • Can be cut back in spring to rejuvenate shape or reduce size

  • Remove spent flower heads in late winter

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 7–9 (RHS H4–H5); tolerates down to -10°C

  • In colder regions, protect young plants with fleece or mulch

  • Shelter from cold, drying winds in exposed locations

Garden Uses, Companions, and Wildlife Benefits

Fatsia japonica adds dramatic, evergreen structure to gardens and is valued for its ability to grow where little else will thrive. It’s a favourite for low-light areas, tropical-themed gardens, and urban courtyards.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, north-facing walls, and underplanting

  • A dramatic focal point in modern or exotic planting schemes

  • Works well in containers on shady patios and balconies

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with other shade lovers like Hosta, Ferns, Heuchera, Brunnera, and Mahonia

  • Combines well with spring bulbs or groundcovers like Epimedium or Lamium

  • Good understorey plant beneath deciduous trees or large shrubs

• Wildlife Value:

  • Autumn flowers attract late-flying bees and hoverflies

  • Berries may provide food for birds in winter

  • Dense foliage offers shelter for insects and small wildlife

• Container Use:

  • Grows well in large pots—ideal for shady terraces or urban gardens

  • Use peat-free, loam-based compost with good drainage

  • Water more frequently in containers and feed regularly

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

  • May occasionally suffer from scale insects or sooty mould—wipe leaves if needed

  • Ensure good air circulation to avoid leaf spots

• Size
  2ltr

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.