Acanthopanax henryi - Henry's Aralia

The Eleutherococcus henryi, formerly known as Acanthopanas henryi, is a Chinese relative of the Japanese Aralia that is still relatively unknown in Europe. Originating from central China, this botanical species used in Chinese medicine is a beautiful deciduous bush that is pleasant to look at, despite its strong thorns. Through its foliage, which consists of beautiful green palmate leaves, its decorative black fruiting that lasts until late autumn, and finally its natural vigor. It is perfect for adding a touch of exoticism to the garden, in a large shrub bed.

The Eleutherococcus henryi belongs to the Araliaceae family, just like ivy and tree angelica. This Chinese bush grows in fields, forests, along roadsides, and on mountain slopes in central China. It was introduced to England by Wilson for MM. Veitch in 1901 and first flowered at Coombe Wood four years later. Its great cold resistance, below -15°C, allows it to be cultivated without hesitation in many regions. It only fears dry or overly wet, poorly drained soils.

The Eleutherococcus henryi is a moderately fast-growing bush that will reach about 2m in all directions. Its overall habit is spreading, supported by sturdy, rough branches with a pale brown colour, equipped with bristles and armed with sharp, straight or slightly downward-curving thorns. The deciduous leaves appear in spring and fall in autumn. They are divided into 5 ovate leaflets, 3 to 8 cm long, with pointed ends and strongly toothed edges. They are rough on the upper side and more or less hairy underneath. Furthermore, they are bright green, turning yellow in autumn. Flowering occurs in August-September, more or less early depending on the climate, in the form of small cream-white flowers in spikes at the ends of the branches. After pollination by insects, small ovoid black fruits, shiny and gathered in clusters, about 5 cm in diameter, are formed, which are quite decorative.

This Eleutherococcus henryi is an interesting bush without being spectacular, despite its elegant foliage and long-lasting black fruiting. It can be planted on the edge of a grove, or in a bed with other shrubs. For example, mix it with other Aralias, botanical roses, white spiraeas, honeysuckle hedge (Lonicera xylosteum) or winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima). It is suitable for a naturalistic or even exotic garden, and of course in the garden of a collector of rare species.