False Castor Oil Plant Fatsia japonica has dark green, glossy leaves that are held on spreading stems. The leaves are very large and have a maple-leaf shape, giving this plant a tropical look - it’s native to southern Japan, southern Korea, and Taiwan and in fact, the word "fatsi" is an approximation of the old Japanese word for 'eight', referring to the eight lobes of the leaves. The flowers appear on candelabra-like clusters of small, rounded flower heads in October. This shrub is ideal in a shady spot or in a large pot, it can even grow in a cool room indoors. Holds the RHS Award for Garden Merit. Leaves can be prone to non detrimental insect damage.Site: Requires ShelterSoil: Well drained normal soilsPosition: Best in partial shade, tolerates full shadeSeason of Interest: Evergreen foliage, flowers late AutumnHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 10ft (3m) Spread: 10ft (3m)