Plants: Aralia elata 'Silver umbrella' - Japanese angelica tree

If you are looking for an architectural plant that will attract passers-by’s eyes but will require zero maintenance at the same time and on top of that will be hardy enough not to worry about it in winter, have a look at this Japanese angelica tree. Could the leaves look like angel’s wings to be given this name? Only God knows. What we know is that this tree is a must have for those who love exotic appeal in their gardens.

Silver Umbrella is a gorgeous item for both collectors and lovers of tropical looking plants. This variety of Japanese angelica tree produces about 1 meter long bi-pinnate leaves composed of narrowly ovate, mid green leaflets with white margins and variegation. In late summer arrive huge, erect panicles of numerous but small, creamy white flowers that may be followed by non-edible (not poisonous) purple-black berries. In autumn the leaves turn light shades of pink, scarlet red, and yellow if the plant is grown in acid soil. In alkaline clay they will usually change to yellow only.

Angelica tree typically grows as one stem from the ground and makes only short side branches when young, unless a multi-stemmed form was selected in a nursery. The trunk is very thick compared to its height, and covered with short spines that may disappear with age.

Grow it in almost any well-drained soil, alkaline or acidic (while acidic will enhance autumn colours), just make sure it is equally moist throughout the season. It will take drought once established but may lose leaves in long periods of rain if grown in water-logged soil. Aralia virtually thrives on neglect. It requires no maintenance. Suckers may appear sporadically. Pest and disease free. Fully hardy to min. -34°C, possibly more.

Size/type: small tree
Usual height: 2-4m
Usual width: 2-3m
Leaves: deciduous broadleaf
Colour of leaves: varigated:green a white
Flowers: showy
Colour of flowers: cream
Blooming time: august - september
Location: full to partial sun
Usda zone (lowest): 4 (down to -34°c)
Belongs to categories: deciduous broadleaf, exotics rarities