{"product_id":"fatsia-japonica","title":"Fatsia Japonica","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Aralia \/ Paperplant\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eFatsia japonica\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily: \u003c\/strong\u003eAraliaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan, South Korea\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFatsia japonica is a bold, tropical-looking evergreen shrub that performs exceptionally well in shaded and protected locations in Adelaide and South Australia. Its large, glossy, hand-shaped leaves create lush structure in courtyards, understorey beds and sheltered alfresco spaces where many plants struggle. While preferring consistent moisture, it tolerates Adelaide’s climate well when given afternoon shade, mulch, and protection from hot, dry winds. Clusters of creamy-white, spherical flowers appear in autumn, followed by small black berries in winter. The foliage is not fragrant, though leaves may develop subtle bronze or duller green tints during cold snaps or hot, dry periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.5–3 m H × 1.5–3 m W (rounded, broad shrub)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–40 cm of growth per year under good conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, glossy, deep-green palmate leaves; may show bronze or slightly matte tints in extreme heat or cold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Creamy-white spherical flower clusters in autumn, followed by small black berries in winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen bold foliage year-round; autumn flowering and winter berries add seasonal interest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers attract bees and beneficial insects; berries may attract birds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tolerates heat and dryness only with shade and regular moisture; wind tolerant if shielded from hot northerlies; frost hardy in most Adelaide suburbs (light–moderate frost); suitable for coastal SA only in sheltered inland-facing courtyards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Density:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 per 1.5–2.5 m² for full shrubs; 1 m spacing for hedged effect\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally regarded as non-toxic, though ingestion may cause mild stomach upset\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere It Works Best\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Part shade to full shade; morning sun is fine; avoid harsh afternoon sun in Adelaide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist, well-drained loam enriched with organic matter; tolerates poorer soils if watered regularly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Establishment: 2 deep soaks\/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak weekly in summer; 1–2 weekly in extreme heat; minimal water in winter unless very dry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low-maintenance — remove older yellowing leaves, prune lightly to shape in late winter or early spring, mulch thickly in summer; avoid harsh pruning into old wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–30+ years in suitable positions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for shaded areas across Adelaide plains, foothills, Adelaide Hills (non-frost pockets), coastal suburbs (sheltered)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slightly acidic to neutral preferred; tolerates mildly alkaline soils with organic amendment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape \u0026amp; Design Ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLush foliage feature for shady courtyards or protected entrances\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstorey planting beneath trees where other shrubs fail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTropical or woodland-inspired gardens paired with clivia, aspidistra, hydrangea and ferns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for large decorative pots in shaded alfresco areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreates bold architectural contrast against fine-textured natives or grasses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You Will Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFatsia japonica transforms shaded and protected parts of Adelaide gardens with its dramatic, glossy foliage and easy-care nature. Perfect for areas that are too dark, dry or difficult for other shrubs, it provides year-round structure, a cool leafy presence, and seasonal flowers with almost no fuss. A reliable, long-lived choice for creating lushness in SA’s Mediterranean climate when given shade and moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adelaide Plant Co","offers":[{"title":"140mm","offer_id":48595076350204,"sku":"FATS-JAPO-140MM","price":14.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9282\/0220\/files\/GeneratedImageDecember11_2025-5_40PM-Edited.png?v=1765437190","url":"https:\/\/adelaideplantco.com.au\/products\/fatsia-japonica","provider":"Adelaide Plant Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}