Eleutherococcus, Acanthopanax: Planting, Growing and Caring for Your Young Plant

Botany

Eleuthero (formerly called Acanthopanax) belongs to the Araliaceae family, which includes over 1,500 species, just like the Aralia elata (“Japanese angelica tree”), to which it is closely related, ivy (Hedera helix), ginseng (Panax ginseng) or Fatsia. This Asian shrub originates from central and western China, the Philippines and Japan. This plant prefers temperate zones, where it grows in undergrowth, damp forests and on mountain slopes. Its adaptation to these environments allows it to tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions.

The genus comprises around thirty species of shrubs and thorny trees, the best known of which are Acanthopanax or Eleutherococcus henryi (Henry’s eleuthero), Acanthopanax sieboldii, now called Eleutherococcus sieboldianus (Siebold’s eleuthero), prized for their ornamental qualities, as well as Acanthopanax senticosus (Eleutherococcus senticosus), sometimes nicknamed “Japanese ginseng” or “Siberian ginseng”, often used in herbal medicine.

The palmate foliage of Eleutherococcus senticosus

The size of Eleuthero varies according to species and variety, ranging from 1.50 m for dwarf varieties to around 2-3 metres in height. In its natural environment, it can reach up to 3.50 m tall. It has a spreading shape and a bushy habit, both dense and elegant. The arched branches are densely ramified, and armed with slender, deterrent thorns, giving it a compact, bushy appearance that works well in defensive hedges, earning it the nickname “Devil’s bush”.

The deciduous foliage appears in spring, quite late. Palmate and ornamental, it is typical of the Araliaceae family with a lush appearance. Each leaf is divided into five leaflets with dentate margins, arranged in a star around a central petiole that is sometimes thorny. They unfold at the ends of the branches, creating an umbel effect. They often have a slightly leathery texture and a rough upper surface. They measure 3 to 8 cm long. Eleutherococcus henryi is distinguished by larger and more numerous leaves. Each leaf can have up to nine leaflets, which are elongated and pointed, sometimes measuring up to 15 cm long. The leaves are usually green to grey-green, turning golden yellow in autumn before falling. Some varieties like Acanthopanax sieboldii ‘Variegatus’ stand out with luminous cream-variegated foliage.

Eleuthero flowering

The flowering of Eleutherococcus generally takes place between June and September, earlier or later depending on the climate. It appears as small flowers grouped in umbels 2 to 3 cm in diameter, at the ends of the shoots. The flowers are cream-white to pale yellow, relatively inconspicuous due to their small size, arranged in tight balls with a light appearance. Each flower consists of five petals surrounding a centre of prominent stamens. Though not fragrant, the flowers are nevertheless melliferous, attracting pollinating insects, particularly bees.

Only female plants can produce fruit. Female flowers must be pollinated by pollen from male flowers: once pollination is successful, the female flowers give way to small ovoid fruits, which turn black when ripe, reminiscent of ivy berries. These glossy berries, arranged in tight clusters often grouped into balls around 5 cm in diameter, sometimes persist until winter. Each contains five yellow seeds.

Eleuthero fruits

Main species and varieties

Acanthopanax henryi - Henry's Aralia

A beautiful deciduous bush from our collection, pleasant to look at despite its strong thorns.

• Flowering time September, October
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Acanthopanax henryi Nana - Henry's Aralia

A dwarf version of the previous one! Slightly thorny, very hardy and extremely accommodating.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 1,30 m

See the product sheet

Acanthopanax sieboldianus Variegatus

A graphic variety, very luminous, ideal for landscaping shady areas of the garden.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant?

Hardy down to -18°C, the Eleutherococcus or Acanthopanax can be grown in open ground in many regions. However, it is advisable to plant it in a spot sheltered from cold, drying winds to protect its foliage and young shoots. A location near an east- or north-facing wall or under the canopy of taller trees can provide this natural protection. The ideal exposure is partial shade or dappled shade, though it can also tolerate deeper shade. In warmer regions, a partially shaded spot, especially sheltered from direct afternoon sun, is essential to prevent leaf scorch. In cooler areas, a sunnier exposure may be beneficial to encourage flowering and fruiting.

Very adaptable, though it thrives in various soil types, it will perform best in any good garden soil, well-drained and rich in organic matter. As a true woodland plant, a humus-bearing soil that remains moist in summer will support its growth. It tolerates dry shade well. It only fears scorching exposures and waterlogged soils.

It is perfect for planting along woodland edges, in shrub borders, in mixed beds, or even in informal or clipped hedges, defensive or otherwise. With its highly ornamental foliage, it fits perfectly into naturalistic, Japanese-style, or exotic gardens. Variegated varieties are ideal for bringing light to shady corners of the garden.

When to plant?

You can plant Eleutherococcus in autumn (September to October) or in spring (March to May), avoiding periods of frost or extreme heat.

How to plant?

• Loosen the soil to a depth of about 30–40 cm to encourage rooting. If the soil is heavy or clayey, incorporate compost or potting mix to improve drainage and soil structure.
• Soak the root ball in water for a few minutes to moisten it.
• Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
• Place the Eleutherococcus in the centre of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the collar.
• Backfill, then gently firm the soil around the root ball to eliminate air pockets without compacting excessively.
• Water thoroughly after planting to help the plant establish. A layer of mulch can be spread around the bush to retain moisture and protect the roots.
• Continue watering regularly.

Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus

Maintenance, pruning and care

Maintaining Eleutherococcus is relatively straightforward. This is a robust and undemanding bush that will appreciate regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting and in periods of drought. Mulching at the base will help retain soil moisture. In spring, you can apply organic fertiliser or well-rotted compost to the stump to enrich the soil, lightly working it in with a simple rake.

Eleutherococcus is not prone to diseases or pests.

Pruning

Pruning Eleutherococcus is generally unnecessary. However, light pruning can be done to encourage ramification, control its size, or remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Pruning stimulates new shoot growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, around March, before new growth resumes, to promote branching and manage its spread. It tolerates repeated pruning well, which is useful if growth becomes excessive. You can cut it back hard every 4 or 5 years.

Eleutherococcus tends to produce suckers. These suckers can spread quickly and colonise the surrounding space, eventually forming a dense ground cover or an impenetrable hedge. To remove them, cut them at the base, as close to the root as possible, using sharp secateurs.

Propagation

We recommend propagating Acanthopanax by taking suckers, which develop on the roots of the mother plant to obtain new young plants. Sowing is also possible if you have access to Eleutherococcus seeds, meaning if your tree bears fruit, though this method is more laborious and unpredictable.

Taking Suckers

To propagate the bush, simply:

• Dig up well-formed suckers in late winter, around February or March, taking care to keep some of the roots intact.
• Replant the young shoots directly in another spot in the garden or in a pot, where they will establish quickly.

Sowing

You can harvest the fruits to collect the seeds they contain. They must be cold stratified by placing them in the refrigerator for about 3 months. You can then sow them in a mix of compost and sand, at a temperature between 20 and 30°C. Transplant the young plants once they have 6 to 8 leaves. Let them strengthen in a pot for a year before transplanting them to their final position in the garden.

Association

The large palmate leaves of Eleutherococcus create beautiful exotic-themed atmospheres in shady areas of the garden, for example. In a slightly “jungle-like” composition, it can be paired with other well-developed, luxuriant foliage such as that of Aralia elata, Gunnera, or Fatsia japonica, for interesting contrasts.

In a very natural woodland setting, Eleutherococcus can be planted near hostas, ferns, and Paris polyphylla, a beautiful shade-loving perennial with highly graphic foliage—plants that, like it, thrive in partially shaded locations and rich, organic soil that remains somewhat moist.

It also works wonderfully in a trimmed or informal hedge alongside other easy-going bushes such as privets or Ligustrum, shrubby honeysuckles, or hedge honeysuckles (Lonicera xylosteum).

Botanical roses and white-flowering spiraeas will also make excellent companions in a natural, wild shrub border. Japanese maples, with their delicate and colourful foliage, also harmonise well, especially if you’re aiming to create Asian-inspired scenes. Low-growing, flexible ornamental grasses such as Carex or Hakonechloa can thrive alongside it, brightening and covering the ground in shady garden corners.

Eleutherococcus integrates perfectly into an exotic garden, with luxuriant foliage and spectacular flowering. Eleutherococcus trifoliatus, Fatsia japonica, Crinum powellii, Hedychium gardnerianum (photo: J.J. Harrison) and Gunnera manicata

Did you know?

The Eleutherococcus senticosus or “Siberian Ginseng” is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body to cope with stress and combat states of weakness. The root, which constitutes the medicinal part of the young plant, is typically dried, ground into powder, then processed and used as a substitute for Ginseng.