The Aralia inspires as an imposing solitaire, paired with an exotic aura and impressive presence. If the poison content and the thorny bark don't bother you, an undemanding ornamental tree and swarming bee pasture settles in the garden. Read here how the cultivation is carried out professionally. Proven answers to frequently asked questions show how it works.

The beautiful leaf shape of the Aralia makes it an eye-catcher even without flowering

Table of Contents

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  1. Plant aralia correctly
  2. care tips
  3. Which location is suitable?
  4. The right planting distance
  5. What soil does the plant need?
  6. What is the best planting time?
  7. When is flowering time?
  8. Cut Aralia correctly
  9. Watering Aralia
  10. Fertilize Aralia properly
  11. hibernate
  12. multiply aralia
  13. Aralia in a pot
  14. Is aralia poisonous?
  15. Beautiful varieties

    16. Plant aralia correctly

    Create a spacious planting pit in the nutrient-rich, humus-fresh soil in a sunny to partially shaded, wind-protected location. We recommend a root barrier that reaches 60 cm deep so that the strong root suckers do not become independent. Meanwhile, the potted macaw is placed in water until no more air bubbles rise. 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 (€32.93) and a little rock dust.(€14.13) Extensive watering on the day of planting and in the subsequent period paves the way to a vigorous growth and rapid rooting.

    care tips

    In the right location, the Japanese aralia hardly demands any horticultural attention from its gardener. This is how maintenance works 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 just before flowering begins
    • Pruning and thinning out 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.
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    Which location is suitable?

    The Aralie prefers a sunny to semi-shady location, likes sheltered from the wind and warm. In order for the ornamental tree to put on its opulent flowers, leaves and berries, the soil must not be too poor. A humus-rich, well-drained and fresh-moist soil elicits the most beautiful sides of the Asian immigrant.

    The right planting distance

    A Japanese macaw only shows off its Asian charisma perfectly where it has enough space. 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 2m 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 drainage is of the utmost importance to prevent waterlogging during rainy seasons. Therefore, choose a sandy-loamy soil that may have a slight lime content.

    What is the best planting time?

    Most tree nurseries and garden centers offer aralie in containers. This gives you the opportunity to plant the ornamental shrub throughout the 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 splendor of flowers rises above the mighty pinnate leaves. Look forward to huge panicles covered with small umbelliferous flowers. A single bud will last for 1 to 2 weeks before wilting. Do not cut off the withered flower spikes, because just a few weeks later they will turn into decorative infructescences with dark mini berries.

    Cut Aralia correctly

    Do not prune the late-blooming Japanese Aralia until it has fully drawn in and shed its foliage. A frost-free day between December and February is considered a well-chosen 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 another branch in the process. A devil's cane is very reserved in this regard. Every cut goes hand in hand with thorough thinning. Remove deadwood at the base and cut out puny branches as well. Please consider the thorns on the bark and take appropriate precautions so that you do not suffer any injuries.

    Watering Aralia

    A freshly planted macaw thirsts for plenty of water to encourage rooting in the soil. Adult shrubs are content with the rainfall and are only watered during summer droughts. In the bucket, on the other hand, there is a regular need for watering, as the substrate dries out more quickly.

    Fertilize Aralia properly

    Fertilize the Aralie 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 cane thrives in a bucket, give a mineral-organic liquid fertilizer every 30 days from April to September and water it afterwards.

    hibernate

    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 tub culture. Before the first frost, cover the root disk 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.

    multiply aralia

    Choose from the following methods for aralia propagation:

    • In early summer, cut semi-lignified top cuttings, place in pots and keep moist until rooting
    • In spring or autumn, cut off 5-6 cm long root strands and root them in the pot as cuttings
    • Sow 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 for this work and for any contact with the devil's cane.
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    Aralia in a pot

    In order for the aralia to thrive in a pot, various criteria must be heeded. A volume of 20-30 liters is just as relevant 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, (19.73€) fine grit or sand for the best water drainage. A few shards of pottery above the floor opening prevent waterlogging.

    Is aralia poisonous?

    The plant webs of a Japanese Aralia are permeated with moderately toxic saponins. We advise against eating the flowers, leaves or berries. Pets also suffer unpleasant symptoms of poisoning when they nibble on the leaves or eat the fruit. Settle the devil's cane out of the reach of children, dogs, cats and small animals.
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    Beautiful varieties

    • Aureovariegata: Very beautiful variety with yellow-green variegated leaves and white flowers; Growth height 300-500 cm
    • Silver Umbrella: Impresses with up to 1 m long pinnate leaves and an abundance of flowers in summer; Growth height 400-1000 cm
    • Devil's Cane: Creamy white flower umbels, dark green leaves and black berries in fall; Growth height 350-500 cm
    • Variegata: Picturesque variety with white-green marbled foliage, white flowers and spherical fruits; Growth height 500-700 cm

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Vegetable garden