How and when to prune a fatsia

Renfrewshire, United Kingdom

I did ask before and received a reply from 2 people but unfortuately have lost the instructios I was sent as we had just moved in to theis house and everything was in a muddle. This plant is taking over the side off the garden and I would like to take down to a more manageable height. Kerri

On plant Fatsia japonica

16 Jan, 2009

Answers

Spritzhenry

I understand that spring is the right time to cut it back. I think it's quite resilient.

16 Jan, 2009

Inverglen

I think that spring is the recommended time but over the years I have given mine a light haircut at almost any time to keep it in check and it has continued to thrive. A friend once cut his fatsia right back hard in winter and it came sprouting back the following year. Probably not advisable but as your first response says, they do seem to be quite resilient.

16 Jan, 2009

Goringfolly

I have several fatsias and have cut them into shape at all times of year. There never seems to be any problems.

16 Jan, 2009

Volunteer

Trim off some of the worst placed branches to quite low down. Then each year take out a couple of branches to keep it in shape. It reshoots nicely.

19 Jan, 2009

Kerri

Ref 5410

Thanks to Spritzhenry, Inverglen, Goringfolly & Volunteer.
I will take your advice and give it a very short back & sides in the spring as it is about 10' tall and a good 6' wide. That is if it ever stops snowing sleeting or freezing here in Scotland this side of July. Kerri

21 Jan, 2009

Spritzhenry

That sounds like a wonderful plant, Kerri! I wish mine was as healthy...

21 Jan, 2009

How do I say thanks?

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