Aralia

Scientific Name: Schefflera elegantissima (Veitch ex Mast.) Lowry & Frodi
Synonym: Aralia elegantissima, Dizygotheca elegantissima
Family: Araliaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 16,17, 22-25,27
USDA: 9b-11

Frost Tolerance: Protects it on coldest nights in Phoenix

Heat Tolerance: Morning sun only in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Light shade

Origin: New Hebrides

Growth Habits: Evergreen garden shrubs up to 20 feet tall (6 m)

Flowers: Greenish flowers

Watering Needs: Regular to moderate water

Propagation: Air layering, seeds that must be fresh

The Aralia is often sold young as a house plant with lacy delicate leaves with a mixture of green and blackish dark green colors. When it grows, the leaves get bigger and lose their delicate aspect. It is can still be a beautiful bush in a sheltered corner of the garden.

Culture:
Feed in spring and summer. Although the plant is sensitive to mealy bugs as a house plant, it is not attacked outside. The plant is subject to losing leaves if the soil becomes too dry or too wet.