Aralia chinensis (Chinese angelica tree)

Botanical name

Aralia chinensis

Other names

Chinese angelica tree, Chinese astilbe, Pumila spirea

Genus

Aralia Aralia

Species

A. chinensis - A. chinensis is an upright then spreading, suckering, large deciduous shrub or small tree with spiny stems bearing pinnate leaves divided into ovate, mid-green leaflets and, in late summer and early autumn, large clusters of small white flowers followed by spherical blue-black fruit.

Foliage

Deciduous

Tree shape

Open branched, Spreading

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Colour

Flower

White in Summer; White in Autumn

Foliage

Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1.

Propagation

Propagate by seed when ripe or root cuttings and suckers. This plant is difficult to propagate and is therefore expensive.

Propagation methods

Seed, Root cuttings, Grafting, Suckers

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Aralia chinensis (Chinese angelica tree) will reach a height of 4.5m and a spread of 3m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Shelter from cold, drying winds and from frost when young leaves emerge in spring.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moisture-retentive, Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Light

Partial Shade

Aspect

East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Aralia chinensis (Chinese angelica tree)

Common pest name

Leaf spot: ginseng; Leaf spot: ornamentals

Scientific pest name

Alternaria panax

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A leaf spot disease; some commonly grown pot plants are hosts but main damage is to ginseng.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Aralia chinensis (Chinese angelica tree)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Aralia chinensis (Chinese angelica tree)

Common pest name

Black scale; Coffee scale; black; Nigra scale

Scientific pest name

Parasaissetia nigra

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Present at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew for in excess of 100 years. Candidate for deregulation.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/