Golden Variegated Japanese Angelica Tree

Grown for its striking variegated foliage and tropical appearance, Aralia elata 'Aureovariegata' is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree noted for its upright habit. Its spiny stems carry immense, double-pinnate leaves that emerge in Spring edged with a broad, luminous golden-yellow margin surrounding a deep green centre. In late Summer, large, cloud-like panicles of tiny white flowers emerge at the branch tips to attract bees. These blooms give way to heavy clusters of immature berries that start off bright pink, casting a vibrant rosy hue across their stems before ripening to a deep black in Autumn as the foliage turns warm orange tones. Particularly good planted as a dramatic standalone specimen, in a woodland border, or indeed anywhere with fertile, well-drained soil protected from harsh winds. Japanese Angelica Tree 'Aureovariegata' is a low-maintenance plant, needing minimal pruning – just remove any suckers or damaged stems in late Winter or early Spring as it emerges from dormancy.

Site: Sheltered
Soils: Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Tolerates neutral to acid or slightly alkaline soils
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Golden variegated leaves from Spring to Autumn, white Summer flower panicles, and dark Autumn berries
Hardiness: Fully
Height to 10-13’ (3-4m) Spread to 8-10’ (2.5-3m)

Image 1 by James St. John cropped and licensed under CC BY 2.0
Images 2 & 5 by Wendy Cutler cropped and licensed under CC BY 2.0
Image 3 by Leonora (Ellie) Enking cropped & licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Image 4 by cultivar413 cropped and licensed under CC BY 2.0