Aralia elata 'Variegata'
Japanese angelica tree, Angelica tree
Also known as Aralia elata 'Albomarginata'
- Height × spread
- 5m × 5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Wildly architectural, this tree has big leaves and a tendency to asymmetry that would suit it to a place in a Japanese drawing. This variegated variety has creamy blotches on mid-green leaves. The big bold sprays of ornamental foliage are held somewhat horizontally. The creamy inflorescence, sitting on its exotic foliage platform, adds the final touch to the spectacle. This makes the tree look even more elegant and special than the species plant. The plant is a disappointment in winter
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Red-purple
- Stem colour
- Green, Grey
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 5m
- Spread
- 5m
- Height in 10 years
- 3.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Any
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, stems are prickly/thorny
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early · Planting
Remove suckers
Remove any suckers that have appeared round the base of the plant. They can often be pulled up, but it may be necessary to use secateurs or loppers to detach them from the parent plant.
Spring-Winter · Planting
Remove dead leaves
Remove dead leaves as they are noticed to keep the plant attractive.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.