Here's my fatsia, I removed the lower branches after seeing it done somewhere else. I want height rather than too much spread, almost a standard style if I can manage it. In front is the new site for my alliums,in front of that lobelia cardinalis queen Victoria (red flwers about a metre high). To the left is hydrangea paniculata grandiflora (big pointed white flowers). I can't remember the one to the right but it has insignificant fluffy white pompoms.
The great thing about Fatsias is you can remove branches to shape them the way you want although they do shed a few older ones themselves anyway. I'll need to take a few out or move the heucheras and hosta as the Fatsia grows. Like you, I'm going to have some white hydrangeas and fatsias in the back garden when I get it organised as I'll be creating a shady area against the new fence.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
How hardy are these fatsias? I had one briefly and thought it died because it din't like the cold and wet. If they're hardy I may have another go, I love those big leaves
Verdun - thanks will try that Pruning tip for fatsia, as for lobelia they look ok and are further forward and I think I'll get away with enough moisture but again a good heads up to watch for, may also rethink plants around it to provide ground cover pos heuchera and hosta as FG says. not having much luck with new monarda, variety unknown but it's red,may come in next week or two (No mildew). Nut - Not had fatsia before and not sure how hardy it will be, but do see a lot grown in pots which may be taken into ghouse although a neighbour has them in exposed part of front garden so fingers crossed.
Re Fatsias - I've not had a problem with hardiness nut and we get long, cold, usually wet winters here. Seem to cope with frosts well too but where I had mine it was against house wall and in a deep bed (about a metre long and only half a metre or so wide) I created at the end of the deck we built so it had a sheltered position and only sun in the morning really. Had a clematis in the bed beside it. Don't have any pix I'm afraid. I take branches out completely back to the main stem rather than shortening. They're also good if you have cut flowers in a vase and need a bit of greenery to add bulk or contrast!
Verd- my whole back garden is very sunny and now that I'm making it bigger by pushing it back to my new boundary fence I need to get some taller shrubs along there and create a nice little tiered effect at that end. Mainly whites- hydrangeas, philadelphus etc and good contrasting foliage with a few evergreens as well. Probably symmetrical and with a focal point - my Dad's pot perhaps. Climbers on a couple of 'screens' to channel the view through into it. I know you recommend that astrantia so I might consider it as well.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
great photo's, & nice to see the fatsia's popping up. Fairygirl I've never seen mine flower dont know if it will. I'm not sure what variety mine is, I do like to give mine about a litre of T a week this time of year. Does anyone else do that?
Nutcutlet I'm North West so the weather is rubbish, it is sheltered with the shed and fence.
Posts
Here's my fatsia, I removed the lower branches after seeing it done somewhere else. I want height rather than too much spread, almost a standard style if I can manage it. In front is the new site for my alliums,in front of that lobelia cardinalis queen Victoria (red flwers about a metre high). To the left is hydrangea paniculata grandiflora (big pointed white flowers). I can't remember the one to the right but it has insignificant fluffy white pompoms.
The great thing about Fatsias is you can remove branches to shape them the way you want although they do shed a few older ones themselves anyway. I'll need to take a few out or move the heucheras and hosta as the Fatsia grows. Like you, I'm going to have some white hydrangeas and fatsias in the back garden when I get it organised as I'll be creating a shady area against the new fence.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
How hardy are these fatsias? I had one briefly and thought it died because it din't like the cold and wet. If they're hardy I may have another go, I love those big leaves
In the sticks near Peterborough
Verdun - thanks will try that Pruning tip for fatsia, as for lobelia they look ok and are further forward and I think I'll get away with enough moisture but again a good heads up to watch for, may also rethink plants around it to provide ground cover pos heuchera and hosta as FG says. not having much luck with new monarda, variety unknown but it's red,may come in next week or two (No mildew). Nut - Not had fatsia before and not sure how hardy it will be, but do see a lot grown in pots which may be taken into ghouse although a neighbour has them in exposed part of front garden so fingers crossed.
Re Fatsias - I've not had a problem with hardiness nut and we get long, cold, usually wet winters here. Seem to cope with frosts well too but where I had mine it was against house wall and in a deep bed (about a metre long and only half a metre or so wide) I created at the end of the deck we built so it had a sheltered position and only sun in the morning really. Had a clematis in the bed beside it. Don't have any pix I'm afraid. I take branches out completely back to the main stem rather than shortening. They're also good if you have cut flowers in a vase and need a bit of greenery to add bulk or contrast!
Verd- my whole back garden is very sunny and now that I'm making it bigger by pushing it back to my new boundary fence I need to get some taller shrubs along there and create a nice little tiered effect at that end. Mainly whites- hydrangeas, philadelphus etc and good contrasting foliage with a few evergreens as well. Probably symmetrical and with a focal point - my Dad's pot perhaps. Climbers on a couple of 'screens' to channel the view through into it. I know you recommend that astrantia so I might consider it as well.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks Fg, I'll give it another go, I always prune back to a main stem, I think it leads to a more elegant plant in the long term.
In the sticks near Peterborough
great photo's, & nice to see the fatsia's popping up. Fairygirl I've never seen mine flower dont know if it will. I'm not sure what variety mine is, I do like to give mine about a litre of T a week this time of year. Does anyone else do that?
Nutcutlet I'm North West so the weather is rubbish, it is sheltered with the shed and fence.
also the monarda is Bergamot Bee Balm.