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As I was leaving a Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Flower Show many years ago, I happened to see Berne Davis, a long-time resident of Fort Myers and former Florida Garden Club President, discard some cuttings from her yard. I went over and grabbed a few of her cuttings and was successful in rooting a few of them. The one I call my historical plant is one of my favorite plants. I have given subsequent cuttings to a number of people, one of whom planted it at Lakes Park.
The plant in question is a small shrub called Balfour Aralia, Polyscias piñata. The beauty of this small shrub is its upright growth habit, comprised of many stems. It is columnar in shape which lends itself to small areas. The leaves are especially pretty as they are variegate and are glossy with irregular milk white marking at it's margins. This plant works well as a hedge, screen, specimen or in a container for the lanai. Although it is not native it is definitely Florida friendly.
Balfour Aralia grows well in our Cape Coral area (zone 10) and diseases are not a major concern. This plant prefers part shade/part sun but will also grow in shade. It can grow to a height of 6 to 10 feet with a spread of 2 to 4 feet. Balfour Aralia will grow in our sandy, alkaline Cape Coral soil but will also grow in loam and clay soils.
I will have several cuttings potted and ready for sale at the Garden Club's annual sale, March in the Park, on March 11, 2023.
A close relative of the Balfour Aralia is another favorite of mine. This one has confused new visitors to my garden. They will comment that they didn't know parsley grew so tall. I respond, "It doesn't." The plant in question is Parsley Aralia, Polyscias fruticosa, "Elegans." It is an evergreen small shrub from the Pacific Islands with curled leaves resembling parsley. As with all aralias, it is grown for the attractive foliage. In our area this plant prefers part sun/part shade and well drained soil. Parsley Aralia can also be used for bonsai.
As with both of these Aralias, they are easy to grow and to propagate. A stem cutting placed in potting soil is all that needs to be done. Parsley Aralia works well in floral designs as the light green color complements the flowers used in the design.
As we approach the drier months of the year, remember to keep the citrus watered. A drip irrigation or letting the hose dribble on the ground to supplement the sprinkler and natural rain fall is suggested.
Kathy Woodlock is Past President of the Garden Club of Cape Coral, a Master Gardener and flower show judge.