Fatsia is a semi-dense, broadleaf, evergreen shrub or small tree that has the appearance of tropical foliage. It is a member of the aralia family (Araliaceae) and is native to Japan and Korea. The species epithet is Latin for “Japanese.” The plant grows best in acidic, moist, well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soils but tolerates sandy and clay soils. It prefers part to full shade and is tolerant of pollution and salt spray. It tolerates drought once established. Prune it any time of year to maintain shape, keeping in mind that next year's blossoms will appear on new growth. Fertilize regularly except in the winter when it is not growing. Fatsia has a rounded and spreading and, at maturity, reaches a height of 19 feet. This plant can also be grown as a houseplant or conservatory plant. Potted specimens can be placed on a shady patio in the summer. It also grows well as an outdoor landscape plant. Outside, the leaves will brown if it is sited in full sun or with wind exposure. It is also vulnerable to deer damage. Fatsia blooms in autumn, and fruits ripen in mid- to late winter. Variegated cultivars are available. Fatsia is one parent of the intergeneric hybrid with English ivy, x Fatshedera lizei . This plant can be used in winter gardens or Asian gardens, or in sensory gardens, where its large, coarse leaves can be appreciated up close. It is also good in shade gardens or cutting gardens. Quick ID Hints : Evergreen shrub with large, palmately-lobed leaves 7 to 11 serrated lobes per leaf Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems : No serious pests or diseases. Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale and thrips are occasional problems on indoor plants. Too much moisture in the soil can cause root rot.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Wet
Available space
3 feet-6 feet; 6-feet-12 feet
Mature size
Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 19 ft. 6 in. | Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Rounded
Texture
Coarse
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Cordate; Orbicular; Palmasect
Leaf margin
Entire; Lobed; Serrate
Leaf feel
Glossy; Leathery
Leaf value
Good Cut
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, > 6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Make excellent, long-lasting cut foliage for flower arrangements. Alternate, simple, deeply palmately lobed (7 to 11 lobes), cordate, coriaceous, glossy dark green; lobes oblong-elliptic, acuminate, serrate. The leaf blade may be up to 18 inches in diameter
Flower color
Cream/Tan; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Umbel
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Seasonal bloomer indoors late fall outdoors, but rarely indoors. Creamy white flowers on terminal umbel resemble drumsticks with a white stalk, glabrescent. A terminal umbel, usually twice compound, 1 to 1¼" dia.
Bloom time
Fall
Fruit color
Black
Fruit type
Berry; Drupe
Fruit value
Showy
Fruit size
< 1 inch long
Fruit detail
Fleshly black drupes rarely occur indoors. A globose drupe, green turning to black, ¼ inch in diameter.
Bark color
Light Brown
Stem color
Brown/Copper
Stem detail
Stout, coarse, prominent leaf scars.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
South Korea, Japan to Nansei-shoto
Distribution
China Southeast, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, and the United States
Attracts
Pollinators
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Winter
Fruit type
Berry; Drupe
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Hanging Baskets; Houseplants; Patio
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Cutting Garden; Garden for the Blind; Shade Garden; Winter Garden
Design feature
Accent; Foundation Planting; Mass Planting; Screen/Privacy; Small groups; Specimen