A handsome, tropical-looking, evergreen shrub that's deservedly popular, Fatsia japonica produces huge, glossy, deep green palmate leaves, which are ideal for adding structure and drama to the planting scheme. Also, showy panicles of spherical, creamy white flowers appear in autumn, and these are often followed by round, black (inedible) fruit.

Try it in an exotic-style garden, where the large leaves team well with bamboos and grasses, or as a focal point for a shady corner.