Schefflera

When we hear the name 'Schefflera', we mostly think of indoor plants. However, some species are hardy enough to be tried in our gardens. Like Schefflera delavayi, a botanic species native to the mountains of China and northern Vietnam, which makes it a hardy plant capable of withstanding short frosts of around -10°C (14°F).  It is also a very ornamental evergreen shrub, forming a superb bush with its tiered branches adorned with beautiful cut foliage that curls under the effect of cold. In summer, it buzzes with bees under large white-cream panicles that will give way to clusters of black fruits.

Schefflera taiwaniana is, on the other hand, a botanic species native to the mountains of Taiwan that can behave like a perennial in our climates, but its stump can endure short periods of frost of around -12 to -15°C (10.4 to 5°F). It is also a very ornamental evergreen shrub, forming an elegant bush, with its branches arranged in a 360-degree manner, bearing beautiful palmate foliage. In summer, it forms discreet flower panicles, which will give way to clusters of black fruits.

These shrubs clearly deserve to be tried in our milder gardens. They should be provided with partial shade and a soft, moist but well-drained soil.