Fatshedera lizei

Fatshedera lizei is a bigeneric hybrid between Fatsia japonica and Ivy, both members of the Schefflerieae tribe within the subfamily Araloideae. From the Fatsia it inherits larger foliage and a stem that tends to be upright and quickly becomes woody and from the Hedera it inherits its slender climbing nature although the resultant plant is perhaps more accurately described as having a scrambling nature and requires tying to a support or wall otherwise it will tend to flop under its own weight. The foliage is effectively intermediate between the two genera: smaller in size than the Fatsia and with much the same shape and texture but larger than the Hedera and more fleshy.

Fatshedera lizei - which is sometimes seen referred to as Fatshedera x lizei or x Fatshedera lizei - is a very easy plant to cultivate. It does best in a moist, shady or semi-shady spot, ideally a northerly aspect secured to a fence or wall. It will however tolerate some sun and drier conditions but must be well-watered in extremes of our ever-more-frequent summer heatwaves. During winter, it is hardy but like Fatsia japonica it will often droop somewhat after a hard frost before perking up once again when the day warms up.

A hard-working no-fuss plant that effortlessly adds a tropical feel yet will take the worst of the weather: what more can you want?