The Aralie impresses as an impressive solitaire, paired with an exotic aura and impressive presence. If the toxic content and the thorny bark don't bother you, you can plant an undemanding ornamental tree and a swarming bee pasture in the garden. Read here how cultivation works professionally. Tried-and-tested answers to frequently asked questions show how it works.
How do you care for an Aralia in the garden?
Attractive and easy-care Aralias thrive best in a sunny to partially shaded, wind-protected location in nutrient-rich, humus-rich and moisture-retaining soil. Regular watering, fertilizing with compost and horn shavings as well as pruning in winter are important care measures.
Planting Aralie correctly
In a sunny to partially shaded, wind-protected location, create a spacious planting pit in nutrient-rich, humus-fresh soil. So that the strong root runners do not become independent, we recommend a root barrier that is 60 cm deep. Meanwhile, the potted aralia is placed in water until no more air bubbles appear. Then position the potted root ball in the middle of the pit. Before you fill the cavities with soil, enrich the excavation with compost, horn shavings (€52.00 on Amazon) and a little rock dust. Extensive watering on the day of planting and in the following years paves the way for vigorous growth and rapid rooting.
Care tips
In the appropriate location, the Japanese Aralia hardly requires any horticultural attention from its gardener. This is how care goes smoothly:
- Keep the soil in the bed and the substrate in the pot evenly moist
- An organic starter fertilization in March/April, followed by another dose shortly before the flowering period begins
- Cutting and thinning during the leafless winter period
Since the Japanese angelica tree is one of the moderately poisonous ornamental plants and is usually armed with thorns, we recommend wearing protective gloves for all planting and care work.read more
Which location is suitable?
The Aralie prefers a sunny to partially shaded location, preferably sheltered from the wind and warm. In order for the ornamental tree to produce its opulent display of flowers, leaves and berries, the soil must not be too poor. A humus-rich, well-drained and fresh, moist soil brings out the best aspects of the Asian immigrant.
The correct planting distance
A Japanese Aralie only presents itself perfectly with its Asian charisma where there is enough space available to it. The pure species therefore requires a planting distance of 4 m to the right and left. For the more compact hybrids we recommend a distance of at least 2 m in each direction.
What soil does the plant need?
The angelica tree feels at home in nutrient-rich, humus-rich and fresh, moist soil. Good water drainage is of utmost importance so that waterlogging does not occur during rainy seasons. Therefore, choose a sandy-loamy soil that may have a slight lime content.
What is the best time to plant?
The majority of tree nurseries and garden centers offer Aralia in containers. This means you have the opportunity to plant the ornamental shrub throughout the entire growing season. Ideally, choose a mild day between mid-April and mid-May or between early September and mid-October.
When is flowering time?
From August to September, an impressive display of flowers rises above the mighty pinnate leaves. Look forward to huge panicles dotted with small umbel flowers. A single inflorescence lasts for 1 to 2 weeks before wilting. Do not cut off the withered flower spikes, as just a few weeks later they will transform into decorative fruit clusters with dark mini berries.
Cut Aralie correctly
Do not cut the late-blooming Japanese Aralia until it has completely grown and dropped its foliage. A frost-free day between December and February is considered a good date for pruning and shaping. Shoots that are too long can be shortened by up to two thirds. Place the scissors just above an outward-facing bud. Don't hope for further branching. A devil's crutch is very reserved in this regard. Every cut goes hand in hand with thorough thinning. Remove dead wood at the base and also cut out stunted branches. Please be aware of the thorns on the bark and take appropriate precautions to avoid injury.
Watering Aralie
A freshly planted Aralia needs plenty of water to promote rooting in the soil. Adult shrubs make do with rainfall and are only watered when the summer is dry. In the pot, on the other hand, there is a need for regular watering as the substrate dries out more quickly.
Fertilize Aralie properly
Fertilize the Aralia in the bed at the start of the season in March/April and again shortly before the flowering period begins in July with compost and horn shavings. If the devil's crutch thrives in the bucket, apply a mineral-organic liquid fertilizer every 30 days from April to September and water again.
Wintering
The Asian beauty is winter-proof down to -25 degrees Celsius. We therefore only recommend explicit winter protection in the bed in the year of planting and in container cultivation. Before the first frost, cover the root slice of a freshly planted aralia with leaves and brushwood. Wrap a bucket with fleece, foil or jute ribbons and place it on wood in front of the south wall of the house.
Propagate Aralie
For Aralia propagation, choose from the following methods:
- Cut half-woody head cuttings in early summer, place in pots and keep moist until rooting
- In spring or autumn, cut off 5-6 cm long root strands and let them root as cuttings in the pot
- Sowing the seeds behind glass, sieve 2-3 cm thick and encourage germination at 20-23 degrees Celsius
So that the moderate poison content cannot cause skin irritation, we recommend wearing gloves during this work and during any contact with the devil's crutch.read more
Aralia in the pot
In order for the Aralia to thrive in the pot, various criteria must be taken into account. A volume of 20-30 liters is just as important as a wind-protected location so that the mighty ornamental shrub does not tip over. You can use any common compost-based potting soil as a substrate, enriched with expanded clay, fine grit or sand for best water drainage. A few shards of pottery above the floor opening reliably prevent waterlogging.
Is Aralie poisonous?
The plant pathways of a Japanese Aralia are permeated by moderately toxic saponins. We advise against consuming the flowers, leaves or berries. Pets also suffer unpleasant symptoms of poisoning when they nibble on the leaves or eat the fruit. Place the devil's crutch out of the reach of children, dogs, cats and small animals.read more
Beautiful varieties
- Aureovariegata: Very beautiful variety with yellow-green variegated leaves and white flowers; Growth height 300-500 cm
- Silver Umbrella: Impresses with pinnate leaves up to 1 m long and an abundance of flowers in summer; Growth height 400-1000 cm
- Teufelskrückstock: Creamy white flower umbels, dark green leaves and black berries in autumn; Growth height 350-500 cm
- Variegata: Picturesque variety with white-green marbled foliage, white flowers and spherical fruits; Growth height 500-700 cm
