Fatsia japonica
Japanese aralia
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: September and October
- Flower colour: creamy white
- Hardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protection)
A tropical-looking, evergreen shrub with gorgeously glossy, deep green palmate leaves. In autumn, creamy white flowers are produced in large panicles, which are often followed by round, black fruit. It makes a superb feature in an exotic-style garden, where the large leaves team well with bamboos and grasses.- Garden care:
Prune lightly in mid- to late spring, trimming shoots that spoil the symmetry. Protect plants from cold, drying winds
Acanthus mollis
bear's breeches / brank ursine
Spectacular architectural plant with stunning flowers
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Bergenia cordifolia
elephant's ears / heart-leaf bergenia
Ideal groundcover plant
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Hosta 'Sum and Substance'
plantain lily
Slugs and snails tend to leave this one alone
£8.99
2 litre pot
within 2 weeks
Dicksonia antarctica
tree fern
Dramatic, exotic-looking fern
£129.99
60cm-24 inches Trunk
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Sasa palmata
broad-leaved bamboo
Vigorous grower
£14.99
2 litre pot
available to order from late summer 2013
Phyllostachys nigra
black bamboo
The only black bamboo
£39.99
5 litre pot 60-70cm
available to order from late summer 2013
Do you want to ask a question about this?
If so, click on the button and fill in the box below. We will post the question on the website, together with your alias (bunnykins, digger1, plantdotty etc etc) and where you are from (Sunningdale/Glasgow etc). We'll also post the answer to your question!4 Questions | 4 Answers
Displaying questions 1-4
Q:
Suggestions for planting low maintenance border please
Hello, I recently had my garden extended by a piece of land measuring 34 metres by 14 metres, and my son purchased 23 Phormiums from you in last August on my behalf. I was delighted with the service I received, and the plants appear to be thriving well especially considering the dreadful weather we have suffered this winter. We also bought Rootgrow from you to assist with their development ,and also for use when we moved mature Acers and other shrubs. I still need more shrubs or other types of plants and would appreciate some advice as to what to use. Along one of the 14 metre lengths there is a "hedge" of bamboo plants, and adjacent to these on the return (long) length there is a small rise of earth, tapering down to ground level, with a specimen black bamboo at the end of the mound. There is also a mature acer, which we had to move, situated at the edge of the dividing path (between the lawn) on the field side of the garden. Would it be possible for you to suggest the names of suitable plants which I could purchase from you and which would compliment the existing ones. I am in my eighties and therefore need a very low maintenance garden. I would also like to introduce a little colour if possible. My garden is very exposed and is on quite a windy site. I look forward to your reply.Asked on 2/15/2010 by Marian Burgess1 answer
A:
Hello there, There are many plants that might tempt you - here are some of my favourites:- Fatsia japonica http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/fatsia-japonica/classid.3840/ Rodgersia http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.rodgersia/cat.plants/ Heuchera http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.heuchera/cat.plants/ Hydrangea paniculata http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.hydrangea-paniculata/ Aucuba japonica http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/aucuba-japonica/classid.277/ Rosa rugosa Alba http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/roses/shrub-rose/hedging/bush-rose/hedging-rose/other-shrub-rose/rosa-rugosa-alba/classid.1148/ Cotoneaster http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.cotoneaster/ Buddleja http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.buddleja/ I hope this helps, Helen Plant DoctorAnswered on 2/16/2010 by Crocus Helpdesk
Q:
My Fatsia japonica has blackened leaf tips
Dear Crocus, I purchased 2 Fatsia japonica plants from you many years ago - they were one of my first purchases from Crocus. Although they seem in general good health and are growing away quite happily, one of them has developed black tips on some of it's leaves. Would that be wind scorch or a root space problem? It is planted next to the back wall of my house (next to 2 rose bushes and a Ceonothus) on clay soil, and it is quite a windy spot. ThanksAsked on 6/18/2009 by Christine Anderson1 answer
A:
Hello there, I think you have hit the nail on the head as they dislike cold, drying winds and their foliage can get scorched if they are subjected to it. If you can try to offer it some protection then you should see an improvement. I hope this helps. Helen Plant DoctorAnswered on 6/19/2009 by Crocus Helpdesk
Q:
What tough plants can I grow in big pots?
I am looking for plants to fill up some outdoor planters facing a carpark. I want something tough please - can you give me 2 to 3 options?Asked on 2/6/2006 by Fung1 answer
A:
There are several plants that will be suitable for growing in your containers. Below I have listed plants that are quite low maintenance and tough - just on the links below to access my suggestions:- Elaeagnus http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.elaeagnus/?s=elaeagnus Aucuba http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.aucuba/?s=aucuba Euonymus http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/euonymus-fortunei-emerald-gaiety/classid.3820/ Fatsia japonica http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/fatsia-japonica-/classid.3840/ Buxus http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.buxus/?s=buxus Skimmia http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.skimmia/?s=skimmiaAnswered on 2/8/2006 by Crocus
Q:
Can I take cuttings from my Fatsia?
I have a Fatsia japonica which has grown very big. I'd like to take cuttings of this plant, but don't know if it is possible, or how to go about doing it?Asked on 7/1/2005 by mccardle.c@pg.com1 answer
A:
Fatsia are very easy to propagate, but the best way to do this is by seed as cuttings are awkward because of their size. If however you want to take cuttings then select a young, vigorous, semi-ripe shoot. Remove the top 8-10cm or 3-4 nodes (leaf joints) of the stem in early or mid summer by cutting just below a node with clean, sharp secateurs. Remove all but the top two leaves and the growing tip and insert the cuttings in to compost so that only the bottom nodes are buried. They should be ready to plant out the following year.Answered on 7/4/2005 by Crocus
Displaying questions 1-4
Jungle
The trick to achieving the tropical effect is good preparation and dense planting, vivid foliage, fiery flowers and striking contrasts. The jungle garden is a place for theatrical planning and planting. If you don't have room or the inclination...
Read full articleApril pruning of trees, shrubs and
climbers
Many shrubs, trees and climbers are showing signs of growth and so it is an ideal time to check them over for winter damage. If you feel they need a little care and attention, here are a few notes to...
Read full articleCordyline
Cordylines are tufted evergreen shrubs that originate from Southeast Asia and the Pacific rim, where they mature to form awkwardly shaped stubby trees with tufts of spiky leaves that resemble huge pineapple tops at the end of each branch. In...
Read full articleHostas
The hosta, commonly called plantain lily, has become established as a garden favourite. They are best known for their sumptuous, sculptural leaves ranging in colour from the cool silver blues to the vibrant yellows and greens. They can be a...
Read full articleJapanese maples
Japanese maples make elegant focal points in a garden and seen in their full glory of autumn colour are absolutely breathtaking. They mix well with brilliant autumn berries, picking up reds and oranges all around the garden. Although many species...
Read full article
Hide the huge, fingered leaves of this handsome tropical-looking plant in deep, dry shade and it will still provide white late-autumn, insect-friendly flowers
Val Bourne - Garden Writer