Description Family Araliaceae Originating from Japan. Ghostly, large, leathery green leaves with intricate pure-white variegation. White flowers bloom in autumn/winter, followed by black berries. An easy-to-grow evergreen shrub thriving in any soil with shade. False Castor Oil Plant, ‘Tsumugi-shibori’ in Your Garden. Out-of-this-world, eye-catching white markings adorn the leathery green leaves of this spectacular shrub. Like spider’s webs, their intricate patterns are unique on each leaf, making a fascinating spectacle that is constantly changing. Fatsia japonica ‘Tsumugi-shibori’ forms a dense, bushy evergreen mound, excelling in shade where its radiantly bright colours stand out. Hardy in sheltered spots in all but the coldest UK gardens, it reaches 2.5m high and wide in 10–20 years. Unusually for a big leaf evergreen shrub, its autumn display of flowers and fruits is as showy as the foliage. Large branched structures called inflorescences bear many pompoms of white flowers followed by black fruits. Slower growing than the green-leaved species, this spectacular variety is ideally suited to pots, perfect for Norfolk’s contemporary patios. Its intriguing leaves can be completely white, or mostly green, marked with bold white splashes or a fine tracery. Perfect for close-up viewing or from afar, its large lobed leaves make a big impact in Suffolk’s jungle gardens. Growing Tips for Your Japanese Aralia, Fatsia japonica ‘Tsumugi-shibori’ Soil and Sun: Plant in any soil; shade or part shade is ideal. Shelter to create a woodland microclimate is beneficial to protect young spring growth which may be damaged by late frosts. However, it is superficial damage to the tips of the plant and it will quickly produce fresh new shoots. Planting: Set in spring or autumn; summer planting requires extra attention to watering. Plunge for 20 minutes to drench the root ball before planting. Do not add compost or improvers to soil. Watering: Moderate; tolerates drought once rooted, water sparingly during dry spells once established. Pruning: None required. As it matures, lower leaves and branches can be removed to make a mini tree-like specimen. Japanese Aralia flowers are similar in appearance to ivy, revealing their Araliaceae kinship. Like Ivy, they are attractive to pollinators and its fruits are a source of food for birds. Its resilience in shade and in root competition under trees are additional ivy family traits. These qualities and its exceptional ornamental foliage make ‘Tsumugi-shibori’ a stand-out choice amongst big leaf evergreen shrubs. Planting Ideas for Fatsia ‘Tsumugi-shibori’ Create cool, contemporary contrasts. Combine dark and architectural plants with the bright, soft form of this fatsia variety. Let it shine out from amongst deep, glossy green foliage set in contemporary hard landscaping. Slate mulches and anthracite porcelain paving, black metal waterproof pergolas and patio furniture make the perfect setting. Eriobotrya japonica, Cupressus sempervirens ‘Totem Pole’, Frangula ‘Ron Williams’, and Myrtus tarentina supercharge its brilliance. Delve into a jungle glade of leafy lushness, bathe in the dappled shade and exuberance of tropical style plants. Plant your Fatsia japonica ‘Tsumugi-shibori’ amongst Musa ‘Bengal Tiger’, lasiocarpa and basjoo, Tetrapanax ‘Rex’, and Dicksonia antarctica. It provides the perfect evergreen balance to their winter absence and thrives in the shade of their huge summer foliage.
