FloridaLandscapeIQ
Gold Capella Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola 'Gold Capella') growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Gold Capella Schefflera — South Florida Plant Guide

Schefflera arboricola 'Gold Capella'

Family: Araliaceae · Shrub

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

variegated color accenttropical specimencontainermixed foliage borderpatio accent

Style Tags

tropicalvariegatedcolorfuldramatic foliagecontainer

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Partial SunPartial ShadeBright Indirect

Water Requirements

Low3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Gold Capella Schefflera is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Moderate water. 2x per week dry season. Consistent moisture preferred for best variegation. Avoid both overwatering and severe drought.

Soil and Fertilization

sandyloamwell drained

Fertilizer: Balanced 8-2-12 slow-release. Iron supplement if chlorotic in limestone soils.

Schedule: February, May, September balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Salt Tolerance

Moderate (4/10) — some protection from direct spray recommended
Mature Height
410 ft
Mature Width
36 ft
Growth Rate
moderate
Water Demand
3/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
2/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Gold Capella Schefflera at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Gold Capella Schefflera grow in South Florida?

Gold Capella Schefflera has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Gold Capella Schefflera safe for pets?

Gold Capella Schefflera is not safe for pets. Saponin toxicity — same as species. Mildly toxic to pets. Disclose.

How much water does Gold Capella Schefflera need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Gold Capella Schefflera is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Gold Capella Schefflera tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Gold Capella Schefflera has moderate salt tolerance (4/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.

Is Gold Capella Schefflera available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Gold Capella Schefflera is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. NOT FLEPPC.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

View County Guide →

Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Common availability in Broward.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

View County Guide →

Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Moderate availability.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

View County Guide →

Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Moderate Collier availability.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

View County Guide →

Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Limited Keys availability.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

View County Guide →

Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

Need a Spec Sheet?

Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.

Generate Spec Sheet →

Ask about Gold Capella Schefflera

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.