Fatsia japonica Seeds | Japanese Fatsia
LATIN NAME: Fatsia japonica
COMMON NAME: Japanese Fatsia
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Japanese Fatsia (Fatsia japonica) stands out as an easy shrub in the aralia family, native to southern Japan, it is an evergreen shrub growing to 3-6 m tall, with stout, sparsely branched stems. The Japanese fatsia has biggest, glossiest leaves of any easy shrub in the garden. Plant is one of fine, generous presences of shaded garden, filling corner with great leaves through the year. It is a shrub of cool, moist, rich, well-drained, shaded ground. Through the flowering season it keeps visiting bees well supplied. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Fatsia japonica ranges from the botany of the aralia family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. The Japanese fatsia is a bold, leafy figure in plant science, studied for the very large, deep-lobed leaves and the way the plant fills the shaded ground. Little about its garden performance is mysterious; it has been grown and observed for a very long time.
Uses & Benefits
Japanese Fatsia works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. The Japanese fatsia is a bold, evergreen presence of shady garden. The Japanese fatsia is one of great-leafed shrubs of shade, and the very large, glossy, deep-lobed leaves fill the shaded corner and the city courtyard through the year. Round heads of cream flowers open in late autumn. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Fatsia is the bold evergreen of shady courtyards; its palmate leaves are purely architectural, a designer’s staple for dark corners.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Japanese Fatsia, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in bright light with steady moisture. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Japanese Fatsia has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Fresh seed sown into evenly moist compost is most of the battle won.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Japanese Fatsia often pair it with these related subjects: