Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonca) This offer is for a packet of 10 seeds. Plant type: Evergreen Shrub or Vine, Sometimes a Small Tree Hardiness: Zones (6?) 7-11 Size: Up to 8 feet tall Culture: Grows best in shade to part shade, Well drained slightly acidic soil with regular water and fertilizer. The Japanese Aralia is a large, bold plant related to common English ivy. Its large palmate leaves are bold and tropical looking. In fact it is a common plant in tropical landscapes throughout Florida and So. California. A little known fact is how hardy it is. It can easily overwinter (undamaged) in a protected spot in zone 7. I've even had one growing in a very protected spot in my zone 6 garden when I lived up in the 'Frozen North'. It suffered minor tip burn each year but the larger mature leaves came through unscathed. It's definitely worth a try for you folks looking for that 'Tropical Look' in a Northern garden. It makes a great houseplant too!