Japanese Fatsia
Best low-maintenance evergreen for gardeners seeking a lush, tropical aesthetic.
The Japanese Fatsia is a striking, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub that brings a strong tropical aesthetic to any garden. Its large, glossy, palmate leaves provide year-round visual interest, complemented by showy white pincushion flowers in mid-fall, followed by black fruit. This adaptable shrub thrives in partial shade to shaded locations with average to moist soil, tolerating urban pollution well. Requiring occasional maintenance, it offers a long lifespan and is suitable for various landscape uses, including mass planting and hedges.
$39.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1768
/ 2693
#1768 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-9%
Below average
Mature Height
10
/ feet
Who it's for
- Landscapers wanting reliable year-round privacy screening
- Gardeners seeking a bold, tropical focal point
- Homeowners needing vibrant greenery for deep shade
Who should skip it
- Urban gardeners with limited space for large shrubs
- Busy gardeners unable to maintain consistent soil moisture
- Plant owners who prefer low-maintenance, pest-free greenery
Performance breakdown
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering shrubs struggle.
Visual Impact
Large, glossy foliage delivers an instant tropical aesthetic to any landscape.
Urban Resilience
Robust enough to handle city pollution and challenging environmental stressors.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal pruning, making it a low-effort choice for gardeners.
Wildlife Support
Pincushion flowers provide a reliable late-season nectar source for local pollinators.
Longevity
A durable investment that remains a garden staple for decades.
Key Specs
Mature Height
10 feet
Mature Width
10 feet
Light Needs
Partial Shade, Shade
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Bloom Time
Mid Fall
Growth Rate
Medium
Hardiness Zone
7b
Pruning Time
Late Winter
Features
- Creates a strong tropical look
- Features large, glossy, lobed palmate leaves
- Produces showy white pincushion flowers
- Highly tolerant of urban pollution
- Low canopy suitable for power lines
- Long lifespan, potentially over 40 years
- Attracts pollinators
- Deer resistant
What customers say
Customers consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the Japanese Fatsia purchased from Armstrong Garden Centers. Reviewers frequently note the plants arrive healthy, large, and vigorous, leading to reliable establishment in the garden. The ease of use theme emerges because the robust nature of the stock minimizes transplant shock and ensures quick growth, even in shaded areas. While the price point is sometimes mentioned, the superior quality and guaranteed success make this a worthwhile investment for serious gardeners seeking reliable, striking foliage.
Know before you buy
It is best to avoid full sun. Japanese Fatsia thrives in partial shade to full shade, as direct, intense sunlight can scorch its large, glossy leaves.
Since this shrub reaches a mature width of 10 feet, you should space them at least 8 to 10 feet apart if you want them to grow into a dense, continuous hedge.
Yes, Japanese Fatsia is generally considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, its thick, leathery foliage is typically unappealing to them.
The ideal time to prune is in late winter, just before the plant begins its spring growth cycle. This allows you to shape the shrub and remove any damaged stems without interrupting its flowering period.
Absolutely. Japanese Fatsia is highly tolerant of urban pollution, making it an excellent choice for city gardens or areas near busy streets.
It prefers average to moist soil. While it is adaptable, you should ensure the soil remains consistently hydrated, especially during the plant's first year as it establishes its root system.
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$40