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Fatsia Japonica Help Please

brenda1952brenda1952 Posts: 56
in The potting shed
Please can anyone offer advice on what is wrong with this plant. Every year I cut it back because of the damage and every year the problem re-occurs. I don't know whether it's a pest or disease. The shrub is approximately 6 feet tall.
Sorry the photos are sideways on and I can't seem to turn them round.
Thank you in advance

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited May 2020
    They can get cold weather damage, and a bit of sun damage after cold, and also slugs  will occasionally nibble them. They can sometimes get mealy bug or scale damage too apparently, but healthy plants shrug it off. I've never had that problem though.
    I just remove unsightly foliage on mine, as they produce so much new stuff at this time of year.
    Is it in a shady site? They do best with some shade and plenty of moisture. Other planting can be competition for moisture too.  

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • brenda1952brenda1952 Posts: 56
    Thank you for responding @Fairygirl. The shrub is in an East facing bed. It does sometimes get caught by late frosts but that's usually on the new growth. I will give it one more chance, and if all else fails, it will be off to the compost heap! When the council tips open and we're allowed to travel of course. Thank you again.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Mine's the same, also in an East-facing position. It's much the same every year since we moved here over 30 years ago. I just chop back the ropey-looking bits and away it goes.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • brenda1952brenda1952 Posts: 56
    Thank you @JennyJ. It's been in the garden for the past 13 years but it's only the last 3 years that it has had this problem. I fear if I cut back all the affected leaves there will be nothing left. Which is actually what happened last year. I cut it all down to 12 inches and it grew back to full height in a year. It used to look so healthy, it's such a shame. Onwards, ever onwards!! 😂 
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