Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web'
Best unique foliage for adding dramatic flair to shaded gardens.
This Japanese selection of the popular, deep shade-loving southern landscape shrub, Fatsia japonica, is prized by the few folks who have had the rare opportunity to own one. The shiny green palmate leaves, like a super-sized schefflera, are each bordered with a heavy white speckling that often finds its way into the center of the leaf. Fatsia 'Spider's Web' was named by Japanese variegated plant experts, the late Dr. Yokoi and Mr. Hirose, as a selection from an old Japanese seed strain, Fatsia 'Tsumugi Shibori' (tie-dyed cloth). It takes about three years for it to show the wonderful mature characteristics, so be patient. Our 20 year old specimens have matured at 4' tall x 6' wide. For those who garden in the Arctic zones north of Zone 7, Fatsia 'Spider's Web' makes a superb houseplant.
$31.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
925
/ 3331
#925 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-21%
Below average
Zones
710
/ b to b
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking unique, year-round visual appeal
- Homeowners with shady gardens needing vibrant evergreen plants
- Busy gardeners desiring beautiful, hassle-free, and deer-proof plants
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with full-sun locations or new to shade-loving plants
- Enthusiasts in USDA zones below 7 or exposed northern regions
- Individuals preferring drought-tolerant plants or with infrequent watering routines
Performance breakdown
Foliage Visual Impact
Stunning white-speckled variegation creates a high-contrast focal point in shade gardens.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in deep shade where most flowering shrubs struggle to survive.
Coastal Resilience
Robust salt tolerance makes this an ideal choice for seaside landscapes.
Versatility
Equally effective as a dramatic outdoor shrub or a striking houseplant.
Growth Patience
Requires several years of steady care to reach full aesthetic maturity.
Maintenance Ease
Low-fuss evergreen that handles dry conditions once properly established.
Key Specs
Zones
7b to 10b
Dormancy
Evergreen
Height
48" tall
Culture
Part Sun to Shade
Origin
Japan
Pot Size
3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Mature Width
5' x 5' (in 10-15 years)
Hardiness
Hardy from zone 7b to 10b
Features
- Striking variegated foliage with white speckling
- Tolerant of shade and dry conditions
- Salt tolerant for coastal gardens
- Attracts pollinators
- Suitable for container planting
- Can be grown as a houseplant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise this plant for its striking variegated foliage, noting its unique aesthetic appeal as a standout feature in any garden or container. Many reviewers highlight the plant's robust health and vigor upon arrival, reflecting excellent quality from the nursery. Its ability to thrive with relatively low maintenance further enhances its appeal, making it a rewarding choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking a distinctive, resilient specimen. The plant's consistent performance and visual impact contribute to a strong sense of satisfaction among buyers.
Know before you buy
The plant typically requires about three years to display its mature, heavy white speckling. Be patient with younger plants, as the distinctive pattern becomes more pronounced as the shrub ages.
Yes, but it will need to be kept indoors. Because it is only hardy in zones 7b through 10b, it makes a superb houseplant for those living in cooler regions.
It is quite tolerant of salt, making it a reliable choice for gardens located near the ocean. It handles coastal conditions well while maintaining its evergreen foliage.
This plant is a deep shade lover that performs best in part sun to full shade. It is an excellent choice for brightening up darker corners of your landscape.
Absolutely. Its size and tolerance for various conditions make it well-suited for container planting, whether you are keeping it on a patio or growing it as an indoor specimen.
While it grows slowly, a mature specimen can reach approximately 4 feet in height and 5 to 6 feet in width over the course of 10 to 20 years.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$31