When to prune Fatsia japonica's flowers?

Discussion in 'Gardening Discussions' started by Barders, Jan 10, 2022.

  1. Barders

    Barders Gardener

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    Hello and Happy New Year to everyone.

    I am in a rental property and have a Fatsia japonica in the front garden. Never had one before and I really like it and was surprised to see what look like flowers growing.

    Now I am wondering when/if I should cut the flowers (if that's was they are?) please?

    It was very popular with flies and pollinators, but now it is a bit colder I haven't really seen much activity on it.

    Anyway, don't want to damage it, I like the flowers, or whatever they are, just want to do the right thing by it :spinning:

    Any advice or guidance would be great, many thanks in advance.

    Fatsia japonica.jpg
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    By the spring they will have turned into black berries.

    I usually cut them off around that time as the berries drop and make a messy stain on paving.
     
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    • Barders

      Barders Gardener

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      Oh, that's interesting @pete, thank you.

      Are the berries something birds will eat please?

      It's in the front border, so won't make a mess anywhere important, but if they aren't food for something, then I will cut them back when they turn :dbgrtmb:
       
    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      I've never seen birds eating them, but it is possible I suppose.

      I think Fatsia has some connections botanically with Ivy, so maybe.
       
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      • Barders

        Barders Gardener

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        Thank you @pete sounds interesting and will see if there is any interest in the berries :thumbsup:
         
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        • strongylodon

          strongylodon Old Member

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          The flowers, like Ivy flowers, are an important source of nectar for Bees and other pollenators so if you want to cut them off wait until the berries drop off.
           
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          • Barders

            Barders Gardener

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            Thank you @strongylodon I will definitely leave them until they drop, looking forward to seeing who enjoys them!
             
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