Unlike other cultivars, the leaves of 'Pennockii' are carried vertically, which makes a far more pleasing pattern on a three-foot shrub, the ideal size. Growing it as a house plant is a challenge. The names of the so-called roseleaf aralias are also in flux. The leaf may be a foot long. In the wild the shrub has a diffuse habit and is not attractive when small, seeming to be all branch.
Big plants are very showy, however.
I did not know of P. crispata until Lynn McKamey sent me a plant with the additional cultivar identification 'Ruffles'. I liked it at first sight for its lime-green color and solid foliage covering, along with its sturdy, compact growth. One might be tempted to identify the plant as a flat-leaved Ming aralia. Ruffles' is very easy to maintain. It is an excellent houseplant and can be trained into an interesting bonsai specimen.