One effective way to rejuvenate Fatsia Japonica is by practicing a technique called hard pruning. This involves cutting back all the stems by several feet in late winter, just before new growth begins. By doing so, you stimulate the plant to produce new shoots from the base, resulting in dense branching and a more compact and full appearance.
I have personally used this method to rejuvenate Fatsia Japonica in my own garden, and the results were impressive. The plant responded well to the hard pruning, and within a few weeks, new growth started to emerge from the base. The foliage became much denser and more vibrant, transforming the overall look of the plant.
Another option for rejuvenating Fatsia Japonica is to selectively remove up to one third of the individual stems all the way to the base. This can be done at any time from late winter to late summer. By selectively thinning out some of the stems, you can open up the plant and encourage new growth to fill in the gaps. This method is particularly useful if you want to maintain the overall size and shape of the plant while still promoting denser foliage.
I have also used this method on Fatsia Japonica in my garden, and it proved to be an effective way to rejuvenate the plant without completely reshaping it. By carefully selecting which stems to remove, I was able to create a more balanced and visually appealing appearance while still allowing for new growth to emerge.
In both cases, it is important to ensure that you make clean cuts with sharp pruning shears or loppers. This helps to minimize any damage to the plant and promotes quicker healing of the pruning wounds. Additionally, it is advisable to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches during the rejuvenation process to improve the overall health and appearance of the plant.
To summarize, there are two main methods to rejuvenate Fatsia Japonica: hard pruning by cutting back all stems in late winter and selectively removing up to one third of the stems at any time from late winter to late summer. Both methods have proven to be effective in promoting dense branching and fuller foliage. Remember to make clean cuts and remove any unwanted or unhealthy branches during the process.
