Can My Fatsia Japonica Be Saved From Severe Heat Damage?

Question

Our 4 year old (6’ tall) Fatsia Japonica was severely damaged due to an expected few day heat wave. Middle and upper leaves were scorched and lost. Can the big plant be cut way back, dug up and replanted in a very large pot or is it a total loss? I am in the Pacific Northwest. Thank you.

Answer 1

They can, usually, tolerate heavy pruning. I would say to prune it back pretty heavily after conducting the "scratch test" to ensure that the tree is still alive. This article will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm

Should you determine that the shrub is alive, then you can move it to an area that would be better suited for the shrub. In your area, I would opt for a full shade spot.

Here is an article that will help with the care of the shrub:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aralia-plants/japanese-aralia-care.htm