Did you know, this is one of my favourite shrubs in the garden at this time of year, 
Fatsia japonica.
Evergreen with large waxy palmate leaves, Fatsia can grow to an impressive 2.5 meters.
Once established it needs little maintenance save for the removal of its dead leaves.
It tolerates deep shade and neglect and will grow on most soils including chalk which this specimen is proof of.
Most of all, it has these creamy white Pom Pom flowers which stand out against the dark green leaves.
These days (does that make me sound old?) Fatsia is referred to as an ‘architectural plant’ and yes it certainly is. Yet it is more than just that, it is also a star at the back of a border in a country garden or a rather handsome feature plant in the foreground of a town garden, perhaps hiding the bins.
Architectural, low maintenance, evergreen, shade tolerant, neglect tolerant yes Fatsia japonica really does all these things. It is also, absolutely beautiful at this time of year.
I hope you have had a good Friday. Do you like Fatsia japonica?
D.
digwithdorris.com 
Yes, I love Fatsia, and have one as a houseplant. Unfortunately they are not hardy enough for our occasional big freezes. It was outdoors all summer and grew so big I had to cut it back! I have never had flowers on mine though. Very pretty.
Oh goodness you must get it very cold. Mind you in a pot it must look very striking
Likewise; I too am very fond of ours
Very much so, I used to have a big one in our courtyard in Ireland. I’d love to have it here but sadly haven’t come across it up to now.
They are so common here, how funny that you haven’t seen one. Perhaps they’re not suited to the climate?
It’s more that we don’t have the same range of plants, very difficult actually to get anything special. You’re certainly blessed when it comes to gardening in the UK 🙂
Oh that does surprise me Annette. Sounds like you will have to search for one on line. Seasons greetings to you.
A very handsome plant, but I have never grown it.
Thanks do give it a try, I think you’ll like it