Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web'
Spider's Web Japanese Aralia
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Height
- 5 to 6 feet
- Width
- 5 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- White flowers in spherical clusters
- Foliage color
- Large, glossy green leaves with irregular white variegation
- Bloom time
- Fall to early winter
- Light
- Partial to full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune for shape or size as needed
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Pollinators like bees and butterflies; flowers may also attract birds
About this plant
Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' is a unique evergreen shrub known for its dramatic variegated foliage. Its large, palmate leaves are splashed with white, creating a speckled effect reminiscent of a spider's web. This intricate pattern adds a touch of elegance and brightens shaded areas. In late autumn to early winter, the plant produces clusters of small, creamy white flowers held on tall stems, which are followed by ornamental black berries that attract birds.
This cultivar originated in Japan, where it was selected for its distinctive leaf pattern and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. Its bold foliage and year-round interest make it a popular choice for adding texture and contrast to woodland gardens, urban spaces, or container displays. Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' is both decorative and hardy, offering a touch of the exotic to a wide range of garden settings.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Under Trees · Specimen Plants
Companion plants
Skimmia · Japanese forest grass · Epimedium · Pieris · Trillium · Foamflower
Design tip
The white-speckled leaves can appear silver from a distance, making ‘Spider’s Web’ especially effective for illuminating deeply shaded corners. Position it against a dark wall where the intricate variegation becomes more pronounced and the dramatic leaf shapes remain clearly defined.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden.
