Aralia Elata Variegata or Variegated Japanese Angelica Tree

Botanical Name: Aralia Elata Variegata
Synonyms: Aralia Elata Albomarginata
Common Name: Variegated Japanese Angelica Tree

Aralia Elata Variegata or the Variegated Japanese Angelica Tree, is a striking and architectural deciduous shrub or small tree renowned for its bold, exotic appearance. A recipient of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), this ornamental variety is distinguished by its dramatic variegated foliage and upright form. Perfect for creating a tropical look in temperate gardens, it offers structure and seasonal interest from spring through to autumn. 

Aralia Elata Variegata is a distinctive cultivar of the species Aralia Elata, native to Japan, Korea, and parts of eastern Russia. While the species itself is admired for its dramatic form and textural foliage, this variegated variety takes the visual appeal a step further. Its enormous, bipinnate leaves emerge with a striking creamy-white margin surrounding each leaflet, creating a luminous effect that stands out in any planting scheme.

The foliage is particularly effective when backlit, giving a shimmering quality that enhances the plant's exotic appearance. In late summer, Aralia Elata Variegata produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers held in large, airy panicles. These blooms are attractive to pollinators and are followed by purplish-black berries in autumn, further extending the season of interest.

Aralia Elata Variegata has striking autumn colour. As the season turns, its large variegated leaves shift from green with creamy-white margins to warm golden-yellow tones, often with hints of apricot or bronze. While the white edging fades, the overall effect is still vibrant and dramatic, providing a final burst of colour before leaf fall.

The plant’s bold form is accentuated by its thick, upright stems, which are often adorned with small spines. In winter, once the foliage has dropped, the stark silhouette of its branching habit becomes a sculptural feature in its own right.

Height and Width of Aralia Elata Variegata
When mature, Aralia Elata Variegata typically reaches a height of 4 to 6 metres with a spread of 2 to 4 metres. It forms a multi-stemmed, upright structure and makes a dramatic statement as a specimen plant. Growth is moderate, allowing it to develop its form without becoming unruly.

How Hardy is Aralia Elata Variegata?
This plant is reliably hardy throughout most of the UK, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -15°C once established. It is deciduous, shedding its foliage in autumn, and benefits from a sheltered position to protect the emerging spring growth from late frosts and strong winds.

Uses in Garden and/or Landscape
Aralia Elata Variegata is ideal as a feature plant in both formal and informal gardens. Its exotic appearance makes it a favourite in jungle-style or tropical-themed planting, while its upright form lends itself well to smaller gardens where space is at a premium. It works beautifully in woodland gardens, courtyard spaces, or planted against darker evergreen backdrops where its variegation can truly shine.

This plant is also valuable for attracting wildlife, with its late-season flowers providing nectar for bees and butterflies.

Care Tips:
Position: Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with shelter from cold winds.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates a range of soil types including loam and clay if drainage is adequate.
Watering: Keep moist during establishment; drought tolerant once mature.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring.
Maintenance: Can be thinned out if desired to enhance form or reduce height.

A refined choice, Aralia Elata Variegata is one of the most eye-catching architectural shrubs for temperate gardens. Its variegated foliage elevates it above the standard Aralia Elata, making it a must-have for those seeking drama and elegance with relatively low maintenance.