Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

POLYSCIAS fruticosa

Image of Polyscias fruticosa

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

  • AHS Heat Zone

    11 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m

  • Width

    4'-8' / 1.2m - 2.4m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer

  • Native To

    Southeastern Asia, Polynesia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Purple, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Purple, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Purple, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Purple, Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Tan, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Corky

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No