A new, variegated cultivar of the Japanese aralia, Fatsia japonica Spider's Web is a useful and dramatic shrub for shady parts of the garden. It’s a large, evergreen shrub with an upright, spreading habit. The big, hand-like, mid- to deep green leaves with seven to nine pointed ‘fingers’ are irregularly dusted with greyish-white variegation, bringing a splash of light into shady areas. In September and October, the shrub bears round, ‘drumstick’ heads of small, creamy-white flowers, which are followed by small black fruits. It’s particularly good with shade-tolerant white plants, like Japanese anemone Honorine Jobert. Japanese aralia Spider’s Web may need winter protection in colder areas, but as it can be grown in a large container, it can be brought under cover in winter in colder areas.
Site: Sheltered Soil: Any moist, well-drained soil Position: Partial shade Season of interest: All year, early to mid-autumn in particular Hardiness: Fairly hardy Height: 8’ (2.5m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m) in 10-20 years
