Gardeners’ Queries

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30822, 6 August 1965, Page 6

Gardeners’ Queries

I enclose a sample of soil, some rhododendron and camellia leaves, and wonder if you could tell me what is wrong with them. The plants are growing in a semi-shady position which is sheltered from all winds. They nower freely but the leaves are gradually showing more and more of the symptoms of the enclosed samples, the rhododendron being the worst affected and appearing to be “going back."—“Puiiled” (Christchurch).

The soil from the sample sent is far too alkaline and this could be responsible for the symptons showing on your specimens. In order to increase the acidity of your soil lo the required level use ferrous sulphate at the rate of two ounces a square yard, covering a surface area to the extent of the branch extremities. (It is suggested that this be applied in two applications, allowing several months between them.) Alternatively, sulphur can be used. »oz being required a square yard. This is available much more slowly to the plant and. therefore, it will take longer to react to the treatment. Having access 10 poultry I manure in liberal quanl titles, I would be grateful for advice on how to use It. —M.R. (Papanui).

A Idt depends on where it comes from Manure from battery cages does not contain anything else but poultry excreta and. therefore, must be used more sparingly than that obtained from deep litter pens, because of its concentration. Manure which has been left out in the open for some time can be used more liberally than if it has not been weathered. Care must be exercised in Its use because it Can damage the plant if it is applied directly to it when fresh or in too great quantities. It can be used as a plant food and as a soil mulch, but should not be applied at this time of the year for this purpose. Spring or early summer is the best time. It can also be incorporated in the soil while digging at the rate of five to ten pounds a square yard or used in building up the compost heap, n which case it should be added in small even layers between other material. How does one propagate flowering gums from seed? There are some beautiful ones in the vicinity of where we live and It would be nice to have one or two of our own.—J.S. (Christchurch). The fully ripened capsules can be collected now and should be stored in a container until they open, when the seeds can easily be extracted. (The small green capsules should not be taken as they come from last season's flowers and are immature.) The seed can then be scattered on the surface of a loam filled box or tray and watered in. Place a sheet of glass over the box and leave until they have germinated. When they have reached a suitable size for handling, dibble them Into wood veneers or small pots. Under good growing conditions the seedlings should be large enough to plant out in the following autumn. Could you kindly enlighten me why this camellia (leaf and buds enclosed and called Camellia Sasanqua Hlryu) loses all Its buds? It has been planted for three years and has not yet flowered. The plant is growing strongly and appears healthy. It Is given blood and bone regularly.— “Camellia" (Ashburton). Dryness at the roots, particularly over the summer months, is usually responsible for flower bud drop. It this is the case a good mulch should be applied around the bush in spring either after a good rain or immediately after a thorough watering of the soil around the plant. ■■■