Griffith's ash care guide
Fraxinus griffithii
Also known as: Formosan ash
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Griffith's ash
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- In a pot, water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide; in midsummer that can mean morning and evening.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- The soil dries more slowly, so as a guide wait about a day after the surface dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Growth stops, so water sparingly, roughly two or three days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Griffith's ash
Grows in sun to partial shade but generally does best outdoors in a sunny, airy spot; it takes full summer sun, while indoors the thin leaves weaken.
Overwintering Griffith's ash
Overwintering guide: −3°C (27°F) or above
On the Kanto and Kansai plains it usually overwinters outdoors; being semi-evergreen it may drop leaves in cold wind and leaf out again in spring, and pots do better under eaves out of the north wind.
Fertilizing and repotting Griffith's ash
Fertilizer
It grows vigorously, so light feeding is enough: as a guide, a little slow-release fertilizer in March and September for pots, or one winter feeding for garden trees.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Griffith's ash
- Moved into a heated room for winter, it drops leaves to dry air and spider mites.
- Planted too close to walls or pipes, its fast-growing roots and branches become a problem.
- Left in a small pot into summer, it dries out and the leaves shrivel.
Tips for growing Griffith's ash
- Yellowing and dropping of old leaves in spring is normal leaf turnover, not disease.
- To limit its size, cut overlong branches back to their base in May or June.
- To keep a multi-stem shape, thin the crowded inner twigs for better airflow.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
