Schefflera alpina

Schefflera alpina is a Vietnamese bush with large, evergreen, palmate, and shiny leaves. Exotic but reasonably hardy (down to about -12°C (10.4°F)), it will bring a sculptural and exotic touch to shady or semi-shady beds in the woods, sheltered from the wind, in a cool, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to acidic soil.

Belonging to the large Araliaceae family, which includes many bushes or small trees like Kalopanax, fatsias or eleuthero (as well as our European ivy!), the Schefflera alpina grows in the high-altitude forests of Vietnam, which gives it a respectable hardiness of around -12°C in a well-sheltered location (protect it from cold winds, which it dislikes). The plant produces large, stiff stems, with few leaves, often in a tuft, giving the whole an erect and somewhat ungainly appearance. While in its natural habitat this schefflera can exceed 5-6 m (16-20ft), most of the time it will grow to 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft) under our climates, with an equivalent width, depending on the number of stems. This architectural habit particularly highlights the large, evergreen, palmate leaves with 7-9 radiating and slender leaflets, which emerge purple and then turn shiny green. The petioles are also purple. In summer, mature plants produce umbels of small white flowers, which later turn into round, black fruits resembling those of ivy. Growth is slow at first, then relatively fast once the roots are established.

The cultivation of Schefflera requires some experience: indeed, while it is necessary to carefully choose a location sheltered from drying and cold winds, these plants are also quite sensitive to root rot in heavy soil. It is therefore also necessary to provide them with a substrate that is humus-rich, not too drying, neutral to acidic, and well-rained. A group of plants with low competitive root systems, such as oaks, is an excellent option. For the same reasons, it is best to avoid watering the base of the plants outside of a true period of drought. Cultivation is also possible in a large pot, while observing the same precautions.

Schefflera alpina will bring an undeniable exotic and unusual touch to your garden: place it in such a way that it is well showcased, in the company of other plants that have the same effect, such as the superb Tetrapanax, other scheffleras, fatsias, Alangium, or even Tetracentron. For perennials, try Begonia grandis (hardy in mild climates), Zingiber mioga, or Kirengeshoma, and for ferns, the imposing Woodwardia, Dryopteris wallichiana, or the surprising Dryopteris sieboldii.