Fatsia
One of the best evergreen shrubs for a shady, sheltered corner — an exotic look without being tender.
Care
Part to full shade; leaves yellow in hot sun.
Medium — keep moist in summer, especially in pots.
Moist but well-drained, fertile soil.
Little needed; cut out leggy or frost-damaged stems at the base in spring.
A balanced feed in spring; monthly in pots through summer.
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or air layering.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- AprilRemove leggy or damaged stems at the base. how ›
- JulyWater pots and young plants in dry weather. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- AprilRemove leggy or damaged stems at the base. how ›
- JulyWater pots and young plants in dry weather. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Pale, yellowing leaves.
What to do. Too much sun, or waterlogged soil.
Questions
Fatsia: is it hardy?
H5: Hardy in most of the UK, but can struggle in the coldest inland or upland spots. It survives down to −15 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, outdoors in shade or as a large houseplant in a cool room.
Fatsia: when do you prune it?
Little needed; cut out leggy or frost-damaged stems at the base in spring. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in April.
Fatsia: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in October–November.
When do you feed it?
A balanced feed in spring; monthly in pots through summer. Feeding months, UK: April, June.