Where should I plant a fatsia japonica?

9 years ago

Other than, in a milder climate.

I've had it in a pot and I've been bringing it in when it gets really cold. Time for it to go in the ground. I got it at Growers' Outlet, and they say theirs is years old.

I think it should go close to the house and in a sheltered spot. I assume, not the west side, since the wind tends to blow from the west. South? East? The north east is quite protected, in an L between 2 buldings but of course also gets the least sun.

I'll be grateful for any advice.

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

7 years ago

Fatsias are very popular plants in my area and one commonly see them planted in at least dappled shade - too much sun tends to bleach out the foliage. And they are also high on the list of plants suggested for dry shade!! Listed as deer resistant as well but deer tend to make up their own minds about what is tasty or not so I always take that advice with a large grain of salt :-))

With the frequency of these plantings in my area, I have never seen these 'spread' or self seed - they just grow larger over time. But if too unwieldy or large for the site, they can be cut back to the ground (or anywhere in between) in early spring and will regrow rapidly.

Comments (7)

User
9 years ago
I would plant it either on the North or the East. The cold is not the problem. If you have any deer in the hood, they will eat them. I have to bring mine into the garage to protect it from being eaten.
raptor1
9 years ago
Mine are planted on the north side of my house and two planted in the entrance of my garden. the one by the house is 12' tall and the ones at the entrance are about 10' tall. Never had a problem with winter or pest they truly are a care free plant and I really like it when they are in bloom massive heads of white. great plant for any garden!
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esga
Original Author
9 years ago
No deer. Raptor, I had no idea they could get that big around here. This is going to be interesting. Based on what you both have said, it will go on the east side of my little house, where we can see it from the kitchen of the big house. It's a bit courtyard-like, and I think it's a great spot. I was a little hesitant about putting it on the north side, but it sounds like that's not a problem.
vroomp
9 years ago
I have several out in the yard under high tree canopy. They do just fine with some sun and get to about 7 feet tall and 5 feet wide. They do tend to die back a little when it gets really cold but they recover nicely. Voles and moles are fond of the roots so beware.......
kinlaw (Zone 7b/8a, GA)
7 years ago
raptor1 or anyone else who has fatsia in their yard, does it spread at all or just grow larger? have you tried propagating it to spread it around? did you plant it originally from small mature plants?
kinlaw (Zone 7b/8a, GA)
7 years ago
Thank you, gardengal. Always a pleasure.