Often grown as a foliage houseplant for cool situations, Fatsia japonica is also a very successful shade-tolerant garden plant. The large glossy leaves make it a useful addition to tropical-type planting plans. Produces creamy white flowers in autumn followed by small black fruit.
Grow Fatsia japonica in a seaside gardens or against a sheltered wall inland – hard frost can injure the leaves but plants will recover if the roots are protected from frost. Plant in spring to allow time to establish before the frosts. Remove berries to increase leaf size, and water and feed regularly. Grows to around 1.5m high and wide.