Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Araliaceae
Botanical Name
POLYSCIAS fruticosa
Plant Common Name
Ming Aralia
General Description
Grown for its elegant, lacy foliage, this upright evergreen shrub hails from the western Pacific and Southeast Asia. Ming aralia's finely divided pinnate leaves are dark green with a reddish tinge. The greenish flowers and black fruit are rarely produced.
Ming aralia grows best in full to partial sun and fertile, evenly moist soil. Soil must be well-drained to prevent root rot. Humidity ensures the delicate leaflets do not quickly brown and drop away. In winter, keep the soil slightly drier. It is often grown as a houseplant or maintained as bonsai. In tropical climes, use outdoors as a specimen or for hedging.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
11 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m
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Width
4'-8' / 1.2m - 2.4m
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Bloom Time
Summer
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Native To
Southeastern Asia, Polynesia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Purple, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Purple, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Purple, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Tan, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Corky
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No