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Fatshedera lizei ‘Annemieke’
golden variegated fatshedera
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Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks
Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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An oddity among plants × Fatshedera lizei is a rare hybrid between Fatsia japonica and Hedera helix (English ivy), hence its nickname "botanical wonder.” ‘Annemieke’ (also sold as ‘Variegata’) is a selection of this vine-like shrub that provides a subdued, golden yellow color to the shade garden. Its glossy, dark green, 8-inch-wide leaves are splashed with two two-toned gold in the center. Not surprising, considering that one parent is a shrub and one is a vine, this evergreen can’t seem to decide which it wants to be. You can either tie the thin, pliable stems to light supports, such as bamboo canes or a trellis, or you can allow them to cascade downwards and clamber across the ground. If this unusual plant is thriving, it can produce small clusters of white flowers in the fall, but don‘t worry about unwanted seedlings as it is completely sterile. Fatshedera’s large leaves contrast with many shade-loving plants. (The multiplication sign preceding the genus names indicates that it is a bigeneric hybrid. Another clone sold as ‘Variegata’ has white margins and is not as easy-to-grow, hence not a GPP.) |
| Culture |
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For the best growth × Fatshedera lizei ‘Annemieke’ prefers well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil. Regular summer watering encourages lush growth and large, bold leaves. Give it a location in half day of sun to full shade. Plant it where it won’t get hot afternoon sun or reflected heat from buildings or the foliage might scorch. Fortunately, fatshedera is a forgiving plant, tolerating poor soil and dry shady locations once established. Fatshedera requires little pruning. Occasional tip pruning will help it to branch, but it will naturally retain an open habit. |
| Growing Habit |
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Fatshedera is a sprawling, evergreen shrub with an open branching structure. Unless trained, the branches will spread along the ground only reaching about 2 feet tall with a spread of around 10 feet. These pliable branches can easily be trained to a support to give a more vine-like appearance. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 7 to 9 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden