Aralia elata – Architectural Drama with Seasonal Flair
A striking and exotic-looking deciduous shrub or small tree, Aralia elata delivers bold structure and seasonal transformation. With its dramatic foliage and creamy late-summer blooms, this plant is a true statement-maker in any garden. Ideal for woodland borders, architectural planting schemes, or as a stand-alone feature, it adds height, texture, and a touch of the unexpected.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Bold, deeply lobed foliage emerges with a reddish tinge, creating an early season focal point. Some cultivars offer rich bronze or variegated tones.
Summer: Tall stems are topped with frothy, creamy-white flower clusters, attracting bees and other pollinators. The large compound leaves lend a tropical feel.
Autumn: Leaves take on golden-yellow hues before falling, adding a warm glow to the landscape.
Winter: The plant’s bare stems and sculptural form add textural interest; older specimens develop attractive, rugged bark.
Key Features
-
Architectural presence – Towering compound leaves and upright growth provide strong vertical interest.
-
Late-season flowers – Large sprays of creamy-white blooms stand out in August and September.
-
Wildlife value – Pollinators flock to the flowers, and birds may feed on the dark berries that follow.
-
Striking foliage – Some cultivars, such as ‘Variegata’, feature stunning cream-edged leaves.
Perfect For
-
Woodland edges – Works beautifully in dappled light with a naturalistic planting scheme.
-
Specimen planting – Commands attention as a focal point in larger borders or courtyard gardens.
-
Tropical-style gardens – Mimics the lush, bold feel of a jungle backdrop.
-
Pollinator gardens – Its nectar-rich blooms are a late-summer feast for bees and butterflies.
Growing Tips
Sun/Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Best leaf color develops in light shade.
Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerant of a wide range of soil types.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK, down to -15°C or lower.
Care: Prune out suckers if you want to restrict spread. Minimal pruning otherwise, but may be cut back hard in winter to control size or rejuvenate shape.
Looks Great With
-
Ferns or Rodgersia – Echoes bold foliage with contrasting textures.
-
Hydrangea paniculata – Complements late blooms with soft flower heads and elegant form.
-
Persicaria or Eupatorium – Adds movement and further supports a wildlife-friendly border.
-
Ornamental grasses – Such as Miscanthus or Molinia, to contrast bold leaves with finer textures.
Aralia elata is a true garden character—bold, exotic, and seasonally dynamic. Whether forming the backbone of a mixed border or standing proudly on its own, it delivers drama and elegance with ease.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
