Fatsia

[jason]

Hi all.

I'm a newbie to this newsgroup as I have not so long ago moved to house
with a garden, so my interest is developing. The garden is mostly at the
landscaping stage but I did manage to create a single bed last year!!! It is
a new build house so I have started from scratch, from a two dimensionally
sloping lawned area to, what will be, and is the way too, a more tiered
structure.

But I digress, My question is concerning "fatsia japonica". I have this
plant in my one border (among others I hasten to add) but it is looking an
unhappy soul. It was planted at the end of last year in this semi shaded
bed, though it looked fine for the later throws of summer after wintering
(we are in Glossop, Derbyshire) it now looks a little worse for wear. Some
of the branches are snapped and the leaves are browned at the edge. I assume
this would be wind damaged as it has been quite rough for the last few
months. The new growth at the top had also died off. Now spring is upon us
it is perking up a little and some new growth has appeared from the top. The
plant is two foot tall and has aprox 5 leaves/side-shoots on it. I want to
prune this back to create a more "bushy" plant rather than the single
stemmed scrawny thing it is now. I have searched the net for pruning tips
but I am a little unsure of what to do to to achieve a more fuller specimen.

The quotes I have read say cut back to 6" above ground level in early
spring, but this seems harsh. Does any body have any advice on this dilemma?
Is such harsh pruning (it works on a buddleia we have, but on Fatsia?) a
good idea? Would a feed be of help? If a photo of the plant would help I can
forward one on if you so wish.............


Thanks in advance

Jason

[w.g.s.hamm]

"jason" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all.
>
> I'm a newbie to this newsgroup as I have not so long ago moved to
house
> with a garden, so my interest is developing. The garden is mostly at the
> landscaping stage but I did manage to create a single bed last year!!! It
is
> a new build house so I have started from scratch, from a two dimensionally
> sloping lawned area to, what will be, and is the way too, a more tiered
> structure.
>
> But I digress, My question is concerning "fatsia japonica". I have
this
> plant in my one border (among others I hasten to add) but it is looking an
> unhappy soul. It was planted at the end of last year in this semi shaded
> bed, though it looked fine for the later throws of summer after wintering
> (we are in Glossop, Derbyshire) it now looks a little worse for wear. Some
> of the branches are snapped and the leaves are browned at the edge. I
assume
> this would be wind damaged as it has been quite rough for the last few
> months. The new growth at the top had also died off. Now spring is upon us
> it is perking up a little and some new growth has appeared from the top.
The
> plant is two foot tall and has aprox 5 leaves/side-shoots on it. I want to
> prune this back to create a more "bushy" plant rather than the single
> stemmed scrawny thing it is now. I have searched the net for pruning tips
> but I am a little unsure of what to do to to achieve a more fuller
specimen.
>
> The quotes I have read say cut back to 6" above ground level in early
> spring, but this seems harsh. Does any body have any advice on this
dilemma?
> Is such harsh pruning (it works on a buddleia we have, but on Fatsia?) a
> good idea? Would a feed be of help? If a photo of the plant would help I
can
> forward one on if you so wish.............

I too have fastia and it too is looking a little sorry for itself. I would
not prune yours but wait and see what it does for at least one season. It is
not yet established.
I am not an expert gardener by any means (know lots about animals though
:0)) but I tend to plant, then leave for a full year or two before either
moving or pruning. I guess I am a 'wait-and-see' sort of gardener. Stick
something in, and wait and see how it does.
HTH

[jason]

Thanks for the reply.

Yes I think your right, maybe it will come back in good time. I've
decided to leave it for another year but infill with a smaller one in front
so at least I can enjoy the form if from two rather than one plant. No
pruning even the brown bits !!!!#

Thanks again.............

Be Lurking

Jason
"w.g.s.hamm" > wrote in message
...
>
> "jason" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Hi all.
>>
>> I'm a newbie to this newsgroup as I have not so long ago moved to
> house
>> with a garden, so my interest is developing. The garden is mostly at the
>> landscaping stage but I did manage to create a single bed last year!!! It
> is
>> a new build house so I have started from scratch, from a two
>> dimensionally
>> sloping lawned area to, what will be, and is the way too, a more tiered
>> structure.
>>
>> But I digress, My question is concerning "fatsia japonica". I have
> this
>> plant in my one border (among others I hasten to add) but it is looking
>> an
>> unhappy soul. It was planted at the end of last year in this semi shaded
>> bed, though it looked fine for the later throws of summer after wintering
>> (we are in Glossop, Derbyshire) it now looks a little worse for wear.
>> Some
>> of the branches are snapped and the leaves are browned at the edge. I
> assume
>> this would be wind damaged as it has been quite rough for the last few
>> months. The new growth at the top had also died off. Now spring is upon
>> us
>> it is perking up a little and some new growth has appeared from the top.
> The
>> plant is two foot tall and has aprox 5 leaves/side-shoots on it. I want
>> to
>> prune this back to create a more "bushy" plant rather than the single
>> stemmed scrawny thing it is now. I have searched the net for pruning tips
>> but I am a little unsure of what to do to to achieve a more fuller
> specimen.
>>
>> The quotes I have read say cut back to 6" above ground level in early
>> spring, but this seems harsh. Does any body have any advice on this
> dilemma?
>> Is such harsh pruning (it works on a buddleia we have, but on Fatsia?) a
>> good idea? Would a feed be of help? If a photo of the plant would help I
> can
>> forward one on if you so wish.............
>
> I too have fastia and it too is looking a little sorry for itself. I would
> not prune yours but wait and see what it does for at least one season. It
> is
> not yet established.
> I am not an expert gardener by any means (know lots about animals though
> :0)) but I tend to plant, then leave for a full year or two before either
> moving or pruning. I guess I am a 'wait-and-see' sort of gardener. Stick
> something in, and wait and see how it does.
> HTH
>
>

[SH]

"jason" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks for the reply.
>
> Yes I think your right, maybe it will come back in good time. I've
> decided to leave it for another year but infill with a smaller one in
> front so at least I can enjoy the form if from two rather than one plant.
> No pruning even the brown bits !!!!#
>
> Thanks again.............
>
> Be Lurking
>
> Jason
> "w.g.s.hamm" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "jason" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Hi all.
>>>
>>> I'm a newbie to this newsgroup as I have not so long ago moved to
>> house
>>> with a garden, so my interest is developing. The garden is mostly at
>>> the
>>> landscaping stage but I did manage to create a single bed last year!!!
>>> It
>> is
>>> a new build house so I have started from scratch, from a two
>>> dimensionally
>>> sloping lawned area to, what will be, and is the way too, a more tiered
>>> structure.
>>>
>>> But I digress, My question is concerning "fatsia japonica". I have
>> this
>>> plant in my one border (among others I hasten to add) but it is looking
>>> an
>>> unhappy soul. It was planted at the end of last year in this semi shaded
>>> bed, though it looked fine for the later throws of summer after
>>> wintering
>>> (we are in Glossop, Derbyshire) it now looks a little worse for wear.
>>> Some
>>> of the branches are snapped and the leaves are browned at the edge. I
>> assume
>>> this would be wind damaged as it has been quite rough for the last few
>>> months. The new growth at the top had also died off. Now spring is upon
>>> us
>>> it is perking up a little and some new growth has appeared from the top.
>> The
>>> plant is two foot tall and has aprox 5 leaves/side-shoots on it. I want
>>> to
>>> prune this back to create a more "bushy" plant rather than the single
>>> stemmed scrawny thing it is now. I have searched the net for pruning
>>> tips
>>> but I am a little unsure of what to do to to achieve a more fuller
>> specimen.
>>>
>>> The quotes I have read say cut back to 6" above ground level in
>>> early
>>> spring, but this seems harsh. Does any body have any advice on this
>> dilemma?
>>> Is such harsh pruning (it works on a buddleia we have, but on Fatsia?) a
>>> good idea? Would a feed be of help? If a photo of the plant would help I
>> can
>>> forward one on if you so wish.............
>>
>> I too have fastia and it too is looking a little sorry for itself. I
>> would
>> not prune yours but wait and see what it does for at least one season. It
>> is
>> not yet established.
>> I am not an expert gardener by any means (know lots about animals though
>> :0)) but I tend to plant, then leave for a full year or two before either
>> moving or pruning. I guess I am a 'wait-and-see' sort of gardener. Stick
>> something in, and wait and see how it does.
>> HTH
>>
>>
>
>

We have two and always at this time of the year they show signs of frost
damage but they recover fully. Later when the plant has grown into summer
remove all the grotty looking bits but don't prune.

[Steve Harris]

In article >,
(jason) wrote:

> . I want to
> prune this back to create a more "bushy" plant

I don't think they do "bushy". They're "architectural"

Steve Harris - Cheltenham - Real address steve AT netservs DOT com
A useful bit of gardening software at http://www.netservs.com/garden/

[Dave Poole]

Janet Baraclough wrote:

>> I don't think they do "bushy". They're "architectural"

> The terms aren't mutually exclusive :-) Well established fatsia can
>certainly be both bushy and architectural.

Quite right - it is the nature of Fatsia japonica to develop into a
large, well branched shrub. Without having a jab at Steve in any
shape or form, I doubt if anyone told the plant that it was supposed
to be 'architectural.' at the expense of appearing 'natural'. It does
not appreciate harsh, freezing winds for long periods and can look a
terrible mess at the end of a cold spell. However, they can recover
extremely well once poor weather has passed and by early summer most
if not all damage is usually remedied. Not so the variegated form,
which seems to be quite pernickety even down here on the south coast.
Either that or I grew it in very poor soil and failed to give it
enough water!


Dave Poole
Torquay, Coastal South Devon UK
Winter min -2°C. Summer max 34°C.
Growing season: March - November

[JennyC]

Posting at the top of an article because that
is where your cursor happened to be is like
crapping in your pants because that is where
your arse happened to be

Jenny

"jason" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks for the reply.
>
> Yes I think your right, maybe it will come back in good time. I've
> decided to leave it for another year but infill with a smaller one in front
> so at least I can enjoy the form if from two rather than one plant. No
> pruning even the brown bits !!!!#
>
> Thanks again.............
>
> Be Lurking
>
> Jason
> "w.g.s.hamm" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > "jason" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> Hi all.
> >>
> >> I'm a newbie to this newsgroup as I have not so long ago moved to
> > house
> >> with a garden, so my interest is developing. The garden is mostly at the
> >> landscaping stage but I did manage to create a single bed last year!!! It
> > is
> >> a new build house so I have started from scratch, from a two
> >> dimensionally
> >> sloping lawned area to, what will be, and is the way too, a more tiered
> >> structure.
> >>
> >> But I digress, My question is concerning "fatsia japonica". I have
> > this
> >> plant in my one border (among others I hasten to add) but it is looking
> >> an
> >> unhappy soul. It was planted at the end of last year in this semi shaded
> >> bed, though it looked fine for the later throws of summer after wintering
> >> (we are in Glossop, Derbyshire) it now looks a little worse for wear.
> >> Some
> >> of the branches are snapped and the leaves are browned at the edge. I
> > assume
> >> this would be wind damaged as it has been quite rough for the last few
> >> months. The new growth at the top had also died off. Now spring is upon
> >> us
> >> it is perking up a little and some new growth has appeared from the top.
> > The
> >> plant is two foot tall and has aprox 5 leaves/side-shoots on it. I want
> >> to
> >> prune this back to create a more "bushy" plant rather than the single
> >> stemmed scrawny thing it is now. I have searched the net for pruning tips
> >> but I am a little unsure of what to do to to achieve a more fuller
> > specimen.
> >>
> >> The quotes I have read say cut back to 6" above ground level in early
> >> spring, but this seems harsh. Does any body have any advice on this
> > dilemma?
> >> Is such harsh pruning (it works on a buddleia we have, but on Fatsia?) a
> >> good idea? Would a feed be of help? If a photo of the plant would help I
> > can
> >> forward one on if you so wish.............
> >
> > I too have fastia and it too is looking a little sorry for itself. I would
> > not prune yours but wait and see what it does for at least one season. It
> > is
> > not yet established.
> > I am not an expert gardener by any means (know lots about animals though
> > :0)) but I tend to plant, then leave for a full year or two before either
> > moving or pruning. I guess I am a 'wait-and-see' sort of gardener. Stick
> > something in, and wait and see how it does.
> > HTH
> >
> >
>
>

[JennyC]

"Dave Poole" > wrote in message
...
> Janet Baraclough wrote:
>
> >> I don't think they do "bushy". They're "architectural"
>
> > The terms aren't mutually exclusive :-) Well established fatsia can
> >certainly be both bushy and architectural.
>
> Quite right - it is the nature of Fatsia japonica to develop into a
> large, well branched shrub. Without having a jab at Steve in any
> shape or form, I doubt if anyone told the plant that it was supposed
> to be 'architectural.' at the expense of appearing 'natural'. It does
> not appreciate harsh, freezing winds for long periods and can look a
> terrible mess at the end of a cold spell. However, they can recover
> extremely well once poor weather has passed and by early summer most
> if not all damage is usually remedied. Not so the variegated form,
> which seems to be quite pernickety even down here on the south coast.
> Either that or I grew it in very poor soil and failed to give it
> enough water!
> Dave Poole

Hi Dave,
My variegated one died last year and it looks as if the green one will be
following it shortly..........all the leaves are drooping down and it looks a
sorry sight :~(
Jenny

[jason]

"Janet Baraclough" > wrote in message
...
> The message >
> from "JennyC" > contains these words:
>
>
>> "Dave Poole" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > Janet Baraclough wrote:
>> >
>> > >> I don't think they do "bushy". They're "architectural"
>> >
>> > > The terms aren't mutually exclusive :-) Well established fatsia
>> > > can
>> > >certainly be both bushy and architectural.
>> >
>> > Quite right - it is the nature of Fatsia japonica to develop into a
>> > large, well branched shrub. Without having a jab at Steve in any
>> > shape or form, I doubt if anyone told the plant that it was supposed
>> > to be 'architectural.' at the expense of appearing 'natural'. It does
>> > not appreciate harsh, freezing winds for long periods and can look a
>> > terrible mess at the end of a cold spell. However, they can recover
>> > extremely well once poor weather has passed and by early summer most
>> > if not all damage is usually remedied. Not so the variegated form,
>> > which seems to be quite pernickety even down here on the south coast.
>> > Either that or I grew it in very poor soil and failed to give it
>> > enough water!
>> > Dave Poole
>
>> Hi Dave,
>> My variegated one died last year and it looks as if the green one will be
>> following it shortly..........all the leaves are drooping down and it
>> looks a
>> sorry sight :~(
>
> The leaves of healthy fatsias do hang down when they're feeling very
> cold..as do some rhododendrons. When the weather warms up they spring up
> again.
>
> I've killed the variegated one too. TBH, I was relieved..it never
> looked right during its brief spell in the garden, too much like an
> escaped houseplant.
>
> Janet


Though this is not dead, albeit very scruffy, it is a sorry state all
the new growth that started at the top of the stem just turned black and
died off early autumn. Over the winter 5 - 6 of its branches (or side shoots
to cover the picky) snapped off in the winter. The leaves that are left are
holed and brown at the edges and very droopy.

The weather is about 10 to 15 degrees at the moment but will drop down
to 3 in the night so the droop is evidently due to the climate . Do they
have a tendency to grow new shoots from the base or will or the growth come
from just the central stem ? Just wondering if it is worth infilling with
another?

Sorry to hear about the variegated..........

Jason

[Chris Hanson]

"Janet Baraclough" wrote in message
...
The message
from "JennyC" contains these words:


"Dave Poole" wrote in message
...
Janet Baraclough wrote:

I don't think they do "bushy". They're "architectural"

The terms aren't mutually exclusive :-) Well established fatsia
can
certainly be both bushy and architectural.

Quite right - it is the nature of Fatsia japonica to develop into a
large, well branched shrub. Without having a jab at Steve in any
shape or form, I doubt if anyone told the plant that it was supposed
to be 'architectural.' at the expense of appearing 'natural'. It does
not appreciate harsh, freezing winds for long periods and can look a
terrible mess at the end of a cold spell. However, they can recover
extremely well once poor weather has passed and by early summer most
if not all damage is usually remedied. Not so the variegated form,
which seems to be quite pernickety even down here on the south coast.
Either that or I grew it in very poor soil and failed to give it
enough water!
Dave Poole

Hi Dave,
My variegated one died last year and it looks as if the green one will be
following it shortly..........all the leaves are drooping down and it
looks a
sorry sight :~(

The leaves of healthy fatsias do hang down when they're feeling very
cold..as do some rhododendrons. When the weather warms up they spring up
again.

I've killed the variegated one too. TBH, I was relieved..it never
looked right during its brief spell in the garden, too much like an
escaped houseplant.

Janet


Though this is not dead, albeit very scruffy, it is a sorry state all
the new growth that started at the top of the stem just turned black and
died off early autumn. Over the winter 5 - 6 of its branches (or side shoots
to cover the picky) snapped off in the winter. The leaves that are left are
holed and brown at the edges and very droopy.

The weather is about 10 to 15 degrees at the moment but will drop down
to 3 in the night so the droop is evidently due to the climate . Do they
have a tendency to grow new shoots from the base or will or the growth come
from just the central stem ? Just wondering if it is worth infilling with
another?

Sorry to hear about the variegated..........

Jason




Hi Jason,

Sorry mate, I shouldn't titter but your poor fatsia saga made the corners of the gob do an upwards turn!
Is your fatsia in the right place? If the conditions are right, it's going to be huge once it is established, so maybe you should re-evaluate. If you are convinced that it is well sited I suggest that you 'fleece it' this coming winter. You don't say whether you are (pardon me) exposed, but 'cos of the upwards slope of your garden, I must assume that you are. You are going to need to protect your garden from wind-damage and rolling frosts as best you can, this will make a power of difference to your more tender plantings. As this is your first garden you will have major triumphs and probably afew setbacks, but it will surely come together in a fashion that you might not have expected! I don't think it is necessary to plant another fatsia, it isn't the sort of plant that looks good 'en masse'. If you have had second thoughts about its siting, dig it up and move NOW, before it is too late. If you can't see any signs of life within, it is worth a shot. Dig a huge hole elsewhere in the garden and transplant it, taking care to remember that the roots will have grown bigger.
Best of luck
Chris
SE England

[Dave Poole]

Janet wrote:

> The leaves of healthy fatsias do hang down when they're feeling very
>cold..as do some rhododendrons. When the weather warms up they spring up
>again.

Yes its a fairly common reaction with some large-leaved evergreen
plants - Viburnum rhytidophyllum and even evergreen Magnolias can do
much the same.

> I've killed the variegated one too. TBH, I was relieved..it never
>looked right during its brief spell in the garden, too much like an
>escaped houseplant.

Oh well you'd hate my garden then Janet - it is filled with so-called
house plants. When I go looking for something new to plant, I search
amongst the greenhouses and house-plant sections of nurseries rather
than choose from the outdoor plants.

Dave Poole
Torquay, Coastal South Devon UK
Winter min -2°C. Summer max 34°C.
Growing season: March - November

[w.g.s.hamm]

"Chris Hanson" > wrote in message
...
<snnipped>

> Hi Jason,
>
> Sorry mate, I shouldn't titter but your poor fatsia saga made the
> corners of the gob do an upwards turn!
> Is your fatsia in the right place? If the conditions are right, it's
> going to be huge once it is established, so maybe you should
> re-evaluate. If you are convinced that it is well sited I suggest that
> you 'fleece it' this coming winter. You don't say whether you are
> (pardon me) exposed, but 'cos of the upwards slope of your garden, I
> must assume that you are. You are going to need to protect your garden
> from wind-damage and rolling frosts as best you can, this will make a
> power of difference to your more tender plantings. As this is your
> first garden you will have major triumphs and probably afew setbacks,
> but it will surely come together in a fashion that you might not have
> expected! I don't think it is necessary to plant another fatsia, it
> isn't the sort of plant that looks good 'en masse'. If you have had
> second thoughts about its siting, dig it up and move NOW, before it is
> too late. If you can't see any signs of life within, it is worth a
> shot. Dig a huge hole elsewhere in the garden and transplant it,
> taking care to remember that the roots will have grown bigger.
> Best of luck
> Chris
> SE England

Down in the village, someone has one in their front garden and it is a
sight to behold. A good 12 feet high and 8 foot across it is.

[jason]

"w.g.s.hamm" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Chris Hanson" > wrote in message
> ...
> <snnipped>
>
>> Hi Jason,
>>
>> Sorry mate, I shouldn't titter but your poor fatsia saga made the
>> corners of the gob do an upwards turn!
>> Is your fatsia in the right place? If the conditions are right, it's
>> going to be huge once it is established, so maybe you should
>> re-evaluate. If you are convinced that it is well sited I suggest that
>> you 'fleece it' this coming winter. You don't say whether you are
>> (pardon me) exposed, but 'cos of the upwards slope of your garden, I
>> must assume that you are. You are going to need to protect your garden
>> from wind-damage and rolling frosts as best you can, this will make a
>> power of difference to your more tender plantings. As this is your
>> first garden you will have major triumphs and probably afew setbacks,
>> but it will surely come together in a fashion that you might not have
>> expected! I don't think it is necessary to plant another fatsia, it
>> isn't the sort of plant that looks good 'en masse'. If you have had
>> second thoughts about its siting, dig it up and move NOW, before it is
>> too late. If you can't see any signs of life within, it is worth a
>> shot. Dig a huge hole elsewhere in the garden and transplant it,
>> taking care to remember that the roots will have grown bigger.
>> Best of luck
>> Chris
>> SE England
>
> Down in the village, someone has one in their front garden and it is a
> sight to behold. A good 12 feet high and 8 foot across it is.
>
>


Sound advice.

I am going to move it, but was waiting to see if it was worth the effort
!!! At the moment I'm limited to space for planting as half the garden is at
the landscape point. I have a nice corner for it to grow "into".
Unfortunately I'm exposed from all sides and the wind does come down
strongly from the Pennines. It is situated in a semi shaded spot at the
moment as we are west facing we only get full sun in the early afternoon and
onwards, but the Fatsia will only get about 4 hours of direct late evening,
until it gets bigger than the fence !!!! ( I wish). Some sort of protection
this winter coming, if it survives, is a must methinks.................

Thanks all for your advice

Jason