Fatsia japonica

My Unhappy Fatsia

| Flower Roberts

How many hoops must I jump through to keep this shrub happy? Sometimes it looks like it is thriving and other times I must grab some clippers and cut off browning, misshappen leaves.

Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’

It is in a shaded corner, out of wind with moist soil. I cut about eight leaves off before taking this photo of the blooms. I know that is cheating/staging.  Chill sticklers.

Ugly leaves and my house shoe. Ha

I fell in love with its variegated leaves. You can see why its name is ‘Spider’s Web’ Fatsia japonica.

Stay tuned for its black berries.


FLOW

If any of you have a clue about what is wrong by looking at the removed leaves, please message me.

Fatsia’s Freedom

| Flower Roberts

It is time to set Fatsia free in the garden. After a year of pampering it and potting it up, I finally believe it will be better off out in the ground instead of a pot. It has quadrupled in size.

It is an act of faith to put a plant in the ground. Is it ready? Is this the best location? Will it be beaten by weather or eaten by wildlife?

I must release my friend Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’ and hope it thrives among the Selaginella, Autumn Fern and Orange Epimedium.

A beautiful plant in a lovely spot.

FLOWER

My Fascination with Variegation

| Flower Roberts

I have put the brakes on acquiring new plants this summer.

But sometimes I cannot help myself.

I have this fascination with variegation.

When I spotted this ‘Spider’s Web’ Fatsia japonica, I snatched it up.

Despite the fact it will get much larger and need protection if planted outside in Zone 7.

All I could see was those leaves! Each is a different work of art.

The variegation changes as the leaves age.

It is evergreen, produces white ball blooms in the fall and makes black berries.

How could I resist?

FLOW