Chinese angelica tree Plant Care

Chinese angelica tree (Aralia chinensis) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Aralia genus. Chinese angelica tree is native to China, Vietnam, and Borneo. Chinese angelica tree is also known as Chinese aralia.

Chinese angelica tree displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Chinese angelica tree produces small clusters of white or pale yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese angelica tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese angelica tree thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Chinese angelica tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Aralia chinensis tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Chinese angelica tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Chinese angelica tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese angelica tree every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to low light and well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese angelica tree is suited to USDA Zone 5a – 8b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese angelica tree can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese angelica tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Chinese angelica tree is hardy down to USDA zone 5a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Chinese angelica tree can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to japanese angelica tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chinese angelica tree is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese angelica tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Chinese angelica tree is native to China, Vietnam, and Borneo.