Glossy-Leaved Paper Plant Fatsia japonica

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

Aralia japonica
Aralia sieboldii

Phonetic Spelling

FAT-see-uh juh-PON-ih-kuh

Description

Glossy-Leaved Paper Plant is a semi-dense broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree that has the appearance of tropical foliage. Place in a protected site as the leaves will brown if exposed to full sun or wind. Grown in a pot it can be on a shady patio in the summer. This plant can also be grown as a houseplant which is a positive attribute considering that deer frequently damage it. Grows best in acidic, well-drained organically rich soils but tolerates sandy and clay soils. It tolerates drought once established, air pollution, and is moderately tolerant of salt spray.. Prune it any time of year to maintain shape and fertilize regularly except in the winter when it is not growing.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale, and thrips are occasional problems. Too much moisture in the soil can cause root rot.

Quick ID Hints:

Evergreen shrub with palmately-lobed leaves
7-11 serrate lobes; sinuses are entire

Evergreen shrub to 19.5', rounded and spreading.

Blooms in autumn and fruit ripens in mid to late winter; used as house plant as well as outdoor landscape plant; leaves will brown if sited in full sun or with wind exposure; variegated cultivars are available.

Transplants readily; prefers moist, acid highly organic soils; tolerant of sandy to heavy clay soils; prefers part to full shade; tolerant of pollution and salt spray; no serious pest problems.

See this plant in the following landscapes:

Backyard Respite Landscape Collector’s Garden Dry Stream Bed Garden in Cabarrus County Shade (Medium) Garden - Winter at the NHC Arboretum

Cultivars / Varieties:

Camouflage
Big splashes of yellow-green variegation
'Murakumo Nishiki Gathering Clouds Brocade'
'Spider's Web'
Variegated leaves
'Variegata'
Variegated leaves

Camouflage, 'Murakumo Nishiki Gathering Clouds Brocade', 'Spider's Web', 'Variegata'

Tags:

#evergreen #houseplant #drought tolerant #white flowers #salt tolerant #shade garden #broadleaf evergreen #interiorscape #flower arrangements #showy fruits #salt spray tolerant #cpp #cutting garden #acidic soils tolerant #black fruits #fantz #leathery leaves #evergreen shrub #non-toxic for horses #non-toxic for dogs #non-toxic for cats #tropical feel #heavy shade tolerant #dry shade #patio #hedge

Fatsia japonica mature in Wilmington, NC — mature form in Wilmington, NC skdavidson CC BY-SA 2.5

Fatsia japonica flower stalk — flower in Wilmington, NC skdavidson CC BY-SA 2.5

Fatsia japonica newly planted Wilmington, NC — newly planted in Wilmington, NC skdavidson CC BY-SA 2.5

Fatsia japonica leaf Wilmington, NC — leaf skdavidson CC BY-SA 2.5

Fatsia japonica — In Pot Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Camouflage yellow-green splashed leaves Kathy Sill CC BY 4.0

Camouflage leaf junction Kathy Sill CC BY 4.0

'Murakumo Nishiki Gathering Clouds Brocade' Flowers - Wake Co NC — 'Murakumo Nishiki Gathering Clouds Brocade' Flowers - Wake Co., NC Cathy DeWitt CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

'Murakumo Nishiki Gathering Clouds Brocade' Form- Wake Co., NC Cathy DeWitt CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

'Murakumo Nishiki Gathering Clouds Brocade' Stems- Wake Co., NC — 'Murakumo Nishiki Gathering Clouds Brocade' Stems - Wake Co., NC Cathy DeWitt CC BY 4.0

'Spider's Web' - Leaves - April 15 - Wake Co., NC Cathy DeWitt CC BY 4.0

'Spider's Web' - Form - April 15 - Wake Co., NC Cathy DeWitt CC BY 4.0