Aralia elata 'Variegata'

This striking Japanese shrub or small tree is grown as a foliage plant, although the late summer flowers make a striking impression on their own. They're small but carried in whorls on extended spikes up to 60 cm long. The leaves are huge too, often 90 cm long and divided into numerous leaflets, each about 15cm long and, edged with a creamy white border. These plants need shelter from cold winds, but besides that the Variegata is quite hardy and will also tolerate a little shade.