Made in the shade
Fatsia boasts tropical foliage, plus flowers for pollinator feasting
Fatsia and pollinators don’t often find themselves in the same discussion, but in the last few years, my eyes have been opened to the point I can give a Holy Wow to this “Shrub of the South.”
Most of us never pay attention to the blooms of the fatsia, which on their own are as intricate as a bottlebrush but comprise showy spheres or globes. Pollinators, often in uncountable numbers, swarm the flowers as if there is a “Festival of Feast.”
The fatsia, also known as Japanese aralia, is one of the most loved shade garden plants in the south. Large palmate leaves make the fatsia at home in the tropical garden similar in fashion to a philodendron. It is cold hardy to zone 8 and needs protection in zone 7.
It has been known to withstand temperatures as low as 7 degrees. Gardeners in the North can treasure it as an indoor potted plant or let it enjoy the outdoors during the growing season.
In Savannah, Georgia, not only did the bees find it a joy, but so did butterflies from the common buckeye to the exquisite zebra heliconian. It doesn’t stop with pollinators either. The flowers give way to striking blue/ black fruit that will be devoured by birds before spring.
Since the huge palmate leaves are so tropical and picturesque, I suspect many gardeners remove flower stalks as a matter of practice instead of letting nature take its course.
The white spheres stand out against the dark green glossy leaves and look like a painting when grown in combination with trees changing colors.
The plants need shade but tolerate morning sun. Prepare the soil by incorporating 3 to 4 inches of organic matter, 2 pounds of a 5-10-5 fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting area, tilling deeply. This is a plant you don’t want sitting in soggy, wet winter conditions.
Dig the planting hole two to three times as wide as the rootball. A wider hole helps for quick root expansion and adaptability to your garden.
As with every tree and shrub we plant, moisture is critical the first year, so water deeply when required. Feed established plantings in March. Light pruning annually will keep plants shapely. Remove old stalks in favor of young shoots. This is a large shrub reaching 8 feet tall and as wide, so give it room.
To enjoy the fatsia as a fine indoor houseplant, place it in a bright filtered light location. Your container should be fairly large to allow the plant to reach a stage of elegance. Don’t skimp on potting soil but choose one that is light and airy yet has a good moisture-holding capacity. A heavy soil will make your life miserable when it comes to moving and judging dryness.
Those big leaves do use quite a bit of water for an indoor plant, so get accustomed to knowing when water is needed. It will not hurt to see a little wilt. It will be kind of like you are developing a relationship with your plant.
In the landscape, fatsia is one of the best shrubs for giving us a tropical feeling. Its giant leaves were made for the pool, water garden or large atrium.
Grow as understory plants to banana trees. Partner with aucuba and holly fern for a topical style garden that is very cold hardy. If you live in the South, by all means, leave the flowers for the bees and butterflies and fruit for the birds.