It makes an excellent foundation planting for trees or large shrubs.
Hardy in Zones 8 through 10, Japanese aralia tolerates a light frost.
It also grows well in containers.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Plants grown indoors rarely flower but have a showstopping presence nonetheless.
Where to Plant Japanese Aralia
Japanese aralia flourishes infull shadewhere many other plants would languish.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball and place the plant in the center.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Add some organic fertilizer orfish, blood, and bone fertilizerto the soil as you backfill around the roots.
Tamp down the soil firmly and water thoroughly.
Its important to note that Japanese aralia is often grown and sold as an indoor plant.
Credit: Adam Albright
Light
Japanese aralia grows well in part or full shade.
Avoid planting it in areas that receive afternoon sun as its leaves will scorch in prolonged direct sun.
If you are growing yours in a container, choose a high-quality, humus-rich potting mix.
Credit: David McDonald
Water your Japanese aralia plants deeply and regularly during the first growing season to promote a robust root system.
Avoid over-watering or watering above foliage as both could encourage rot.
As the plant continues to grow, keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
You may need to increase the frequency of watering during warmer months and cut back during colder months.
Japanese aralia tends to need a lot of water to keep its lush leaves nourished and hydrated.
Temperature and Humidity
Japanese aralia prefers cool temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
If outdoor temperatures dip below 45 degrees, the plant may sustain frost damage but should recover.
you might remove any dead foliage but leave the stalks until spring, when new growth begins to emerge.
Transition your container-grown plants back outside in spring as soon as nighttime temperatures are regularly above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Indoor-grown Japanese aralia can benefit from twice-monthly applications of a diluted liquid fertilizer throughout spring and summer.
Cut back feedings to once a month in the fall and withhold during winter months.
If you plan to prune for this reason, do so in the spring.
This will encourage bushier growth.
Prioritize cutting back the oldest, heaviest branches or those that are misshapen.
Otherwise, your plant may become too top-heavy.
Moving your plant to a much larger container can cause shock and distress.
Water the plant thoroughly in the spring and ease it out of its old pot.
They can also have issues with spider mitesespecially when exposed to too much sun or overly dry conditions.
check that your plants have plenty of air circulation, and avoid watering them from overhead.
How to Propagate Japanese Aralia
you’re able to propagate Japanese aralia from cuttings or seeds.
it’s possible for you to also order seeds online or purchase them at some nurseries.
Once they sprout, remove the plastic bag and keep them warm for another 2 weeks.
Look for stems with growth at the base and cut them just below the leaves.
Remove leaves from the lower portion of your cutting and dip them inrooting hormone.
Tamp down the soil and place the pot in a clear plastic bag to help your cutting stay moist.
It blooms in the late summer or early fall when it develops round clusters of cream flowers.
Japanese Maple
Japanesemaplesperform well in shade but are also relatively heat tolerant.
This means they can provide much-needed sun protection for your Japanese aralia.
Lungwort
Lungwortis a low-growing, shade-loving perennial that is hardy in zones 2 through 8.
Its colorful blooms will provide a precursor to the late summer or fall blooms of the Japanese aralia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
Surprisingly enough, deer are not particularly interested in munching on the juicy Japanese aralia leaves.
Rabbits tend to leave them alone as well.
The broad, glossy-green leaves of Japanese aralia plants make striking additions to floral arrangements.
Choose leaves that are closer to the top of the plant to ensure you are getting the sturdiest foliage.
Japanese aralia will be established in 1-2 years and grow to its full size in 5-7 years.
It’s a long-lived plant.
