Fatshedera – Beautiful and Underutilized in our Landscapes

Laurie Rieman, March 2026

St. Patrick’s day gets us thinking all about “wearin’ o’ the green”.  As plant enthusiasts we are also thinking about “plantin’ o’ the green”.

A beautiful, but underutilized, plant in the Memphis landscape may be unknown to you. Fatshedera is one of my favorite garden specimens. I fell in love with it because I love all things variegated, and for its versatility in the garden. This woody evergreen can be grown as a container plant, as a ground cover, as an accent climber when supported by a trellis, or espaliered on a wall or fence. It can even be grown as a house plant!

X Fatshedera lizei , also called bush ivy or tree ivy, is a hybrid of Fatsia japonica and Hedera helix(English Ivy). Fatshedera inherited the best of both parents. Its giant ivy leaves add light to shady spots, but it is not a thug in the garden like English ivy.  It will not root into stucco, spread where not wanted, or climb trees.

While the straight variety has green leaves, the variety known as ‘Angyo Star’ is stunning due to its variegation.   Its thick leaves are a rich green with a creamy white border. It is loved for its year-round interest and its beauty, even displaying small, white, clustered blooms in the fall, which attract bees. Another notable variety is ‘Annemieke’, which reverses the variation pattern and presents a deep green leaf with a yellow center.

Unfortunately, this may be a case of beauty being only skin deep, as despite its beauty and ornamental value, it has little ecological value in the Mid-South.  It generally produces sterile flowers and rarely sets fruit, so it does not provide consistent nectar, pollen, or fruit for pollinators or birds. Nor does it have a well-documented role supporting insects in the Midsouth.

Fatshedera will grow to a height of 3-5 feet and a width of 2-6 feet on average in well-drained soil. Recommended for zones 7-10. It is likely to suffer severe dieback from freezes below 20°F, but will regrow from the roots should this occur. It is easily propagated from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings which is great because once you have it you will want more. Perfect for Memphis, TN, it is heat and humidity resistant and low maintenance once established requiring medium water.

If you suffer from snail and slug damage to your hostas this may be a good alternative as it is resistant to these pests, and as a bonus, it is rabbit resistant.

For best foliage size and appearance, site the plant in dappled shade. It will tolerate deep shade and partial sun, but exposure to afternoon sun can burn the leaves. Angyo Star is marketed in the Southern Living Plant Collection but can be hard to find.  Call your locally owned plant nursery centers to see if they carry it or will order it for you.

Why not brighten a spot in your garden with this extraordinary plant? It is sure to be admired by all who view it!