Schefflera arboricola 'Madame de Smet'

Common Name:
Madame de Smet Umbrella Tree

Description:
Schefflera arboricola 'Madame de Smet' is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its distinctive glossy green and gold variegated foliage. The leaves arch gracefully, resembling an umbrella, adding a tropical flair to any setting. This versatile plant thrives both indoors and in protected outdoor areas within Melbourne's climate. Indoors, it flourishes in bright, indirect light, while outdoor specimens prefer a warm, sheltered location with partial shade to prevent leaf scorch. 'Madame de Smet' adapts well to various soil types, provided they are well-draining, and benefits from regular watering during dry periods. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for container planting on patios or verandahs, and it can also be used to create small, low hedges in garden beds. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth. While primarily grown for its attractive foliage, it may produce small, inconspicuous flowers under optimal conditions.

Form:

• Shrub - Small

• Indoors / Well lit

Mature Size:

• Height: 1.5–2 m

• Width: 1 m

Aspect:

• Part Shade

• Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:

• Flowers in Summer (rarely)

• Does not flower under Melbourne's weather conditions

Flower Colour:

• Inconspicuous

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Suitable for Indoor Growing

• Perennial

• Low Maintenance

• Drought Tolerant

• Air Purifying

• Variegated Foliage

• Suitable for Hedging

Toxicity:
Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested; sap may cause skin irritation.

Companion Plants:

• Ficus elastica 'Ruby'

• Spathiphyllum 'Blue Moon'

• Philodendron 'Rojo Congo'

• Zamioculcas zamiifolia

• Calathea varieties