Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web'
Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web'
Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' is one of the most striking evergreen shrubs you can grow for shade, and a real talking point in any garden. This variegated form of the classic fatsia japonica takes the bold, glossy, hand-shaped leaves of the species and dusts them with a fine spray of white speckling, heaviest at the leaf margins and fading towards the centre, exactly as though a spider had been busy overnight. No two leaves are quite the same, and the effect lights up the darkest, dampest corners where little else will thrive.
A standout among hardy exotics, spiders web fatsia brings a lush, almost tropical presence to UK gardens while shrugging off cold that would see off many tender lookalikes. The large palmate leaves give wonderful architectural structure year-round, and in autumn mature plants produce curious creamy-white drumstick flowers, much loved by late-foraging bees and other pollinators, followed by small black berries.
How and where to grow
Position is the key to keeping this variegated fatsia japonica looking its best. It is happiest in partial or full shade; too much hot, direct sun can scorch the pale variegation, so a north- or east-facing aspect, or a sheltered spot dappled by taller plants, is ideal. Plant it in moist but well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. It is wonderfully unfussy about soil type, coping with chalk, clay, loam or sand across a range of pH.
- Hardiness: evergreen and reliably hardy across most of the UK once established
- Eventual size: a rounded, bushy shrub of around 1.5-2.5m tall and wide
- Care: shelter from cold drying winds; water well in the first seasons and in containers
It excels in a large pot for a shady patio or courtyard, and pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas and other shade lovers. Whether you are after year-round structure or simply something a little different, fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' delivers. Every plant we send out is nursery-grown and hand-selected, so it arrives healthy, well-rooted and ready to settle straight into your garden.
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Yes. It is reliably hardy across most of the UK, tolerating temperatures down to around -10C once established. In very cold or exposed gardens give it a sheltered spot, as the variegated foliage can be marked by harsh, drying winds.
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It thrives in partial or full shade, which makes it ideal for those tricky north- or east-facing corners. Avoid hot, direct afternoon sun, as it can scorch the delicate white speckling and bleach the leaves; bright, dappled shade keeps the variegation at its best.
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Expect a rounded, bushy shrub of roughly 1.5-2.5m tall and wide over time, reaching its ultimate height in about 5-10 years. It is slow to moderate in growth and responds well to pruning if you want to keep it more compact.
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Absolutely. Its size, shade tolerance and bold evergreen leaves make it an excellent container plant for a shady patio, courtyard or doorway. Use a large pot with peat-free, loam-based compost, keep it well watered in summer, and feed through the growing season.
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Fatsia japonica is generally considered low-risk and has no significant reported toxicity to people or pets. As with any plant, it is sensible to discourage children and animals from chewing the foliage, and the sap may irritate particularly sensitive skin.
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*Unfortunately we cannot accept returns of undamaged plants as these are perishable items and are not saleable upon return. If a plant is damaged, we will compensate for this as per our live arrival guarantee. -
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