Re: Fatsia Japonica.

From Kew

Fatsia japonica, despite its name, is not at all related to the very toxic true Castor Oil (Ricinus communis) and has no known toxic properties.

Re: Fatsia Japonica.

Mines out in the ground in a north facing spot. It always looks awful at the end of the winter but comes back ok.

From all the other posts it sounds like yours is a pretty average performer

Re: Fatsia Japonica.

Mine are facing north and south...both look a bit battered but will come back with a vengeance,but they too are in the ground...I think it's the pot planted ones that need special care against frosts. Moved to a frost free corner or in a greenhouse perhaps for the worse months.

Re: Fatsia Japonica.

I have seen Fatsia Japonica with labels saying all parts of the plant are poisonous, so I expect as they are so similar in appearance, they are cautious in case someone mistakes one for the other, perhaps it should be handled with care just to be sure.

Re: Fatsia Japonica.

They certainly are almost indestructible but to prevent any icy wind or frost damage I always use fleece around the plant. Fleece allows the plant to breathe where bubble wrap will retain any moisture already on the leaves and over a long period of winter will do more harm than good.

Re: Fatsia Japonica.

You're probably right...I suppose one good thing in this country is that the REAL castor oil plant will NOT survive frost