False Aralia Green Fingers

With its finer ‘fingers’, the rare Fatsia polycarpa Green Fingers is a more elegant, airier plant than the familiar Fatsia japonica. It’s a large, evergreen shrub with an upright, spreading habit. The big, hand-like, mid- to deep green, irregularly toothed leaves with seven ‘fingers’ are perfect for adding drama to the garden, or for a jungle planting. In September and October, the shrub bears round umbels of small, creamy-white flowers, which are followed by small black fruits. False aralia Green Fingers needs winter protection in colder areas, but as it can be grown in a large container, it can be brought under cover in winter.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any moist, well-drained soil
Position: Best in partial shade; tolerates full sun in reliably moist soil
Season of interest: All year, early to mid-autumn in particular
Hardiness: Fairly hardy
Height: 10’ (3m) Spread: 6’6” (2m) in 10-20 years