Japanese Aralia, also known as Big-leaf or Glossy-leaf Paper Plant, is a must-have for shade gardens and is a great option for those who are seeking an unusual privacy barrier. Growing eight to ten feet tall and almost as wide, this evergreen is a great year-round foundation plant when popular shade perennials have died back for the winter. Japanese Aralia can tolerate some sun, but does better with protection from the hot afternoon summer sun.