Boronias a popular and repaying shrub

Press, 30 December 1978, Page 9

Boronias a popular and repaying shrub

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It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the reason for the popularity of one pl t and not another. Boronias provide a good example of an ever popular shrub which can flower prolifically and includes a number of very pleasantly scented species.

Despite their appeal there is surprisingly little real success to report in their cultivation and seubsequent Nourishment

in the average garden. There are several reasons which could either separately or together contribute to this situation: these are discussed below in no particular order of importance. Although one commonly associates Australian plants as fully capable of surviving without much water and in consequence most of them are put in warm dry situations, this does not hold for boronias. Boronias do best if the roots have access to moisture particularly in the summertime when dryness ca.i be fatal to them. A good mulch applied in late spring will greatly assist in moisture conservation and at the same time provide additional cover or protection for the roots. Although moisture is a requirement for satisfactory development of boronias they are very sensitive to poorly drained soils and do not thrive in heavy mediums. Under wet conditions these plants do not survive for long.

Boronias have a fine, shallow rooting system and as such they resent root disturbance of any kind. Close cultivation should be avoided and any weeding, necessary should be done by hand.

Once planted it is best to leave it where it is and

there is generally little point in trying to move an established plant. As it is these plants are rarely long lived.

Over-exposed situations should be avoided as should any very hot and dry places. Lighter soils are to be preferred with

soi. acidity about average. The incorporation of peat at planting time can be recommended but lime and acid fertilisers should never be used in the vicinity of a boronia; blood and bone could be applied occasionally if required. Most plants are sold in polythene planter bags containing a very friable rooting medium which creates no problems at planting out.

Occasionally however very hot dry root bound specimens may be bought; these should have the root ball thoroughly immersed i.i water for at least 12 hours prior to planting. Boronias are susceptible to attacks from a small orange coloured insect which causes a sort of witch’s broom effect of

the leaves. This and the appearance of the socalled sooty mould fungus which develops on the honeydew secreted by this pest are usually the first intimation that something is amiss with the plant.

Heavy infestation can cause the eventual demise of the affected plant. The pplication of maldison plus a few drops of universal oil is recommended immediately signs of insect presence is noticed. Partial or total collapse of plants is also not uncommon, more so with some species than with others. Although the exact cause is not always known root disorders are suspected. Finally, in order to prolong the life of boronias, most of which flower profusely, and to retain compact shape and active growth, bushes should be pruned. Pruning should be done on an annual basis just as soon as the main flowering is over. An ov r-all clipping will be quite satisfactory. To recapitulate briefly on requirements for obtaining the best from boronias provide good drainage, shelter from winds, no lime or acid fertilisers, preferably gritty soil or the incorporation of peat, moisture especially in summertime and avoid close cultivation.

Prune after flowering and spray for pest control.

• ■ ‘ .. ' ..." ' . GARDENING By M.Lusty • ■',> . , fc \' '■ .♦-■ ■■■■ -■.... " .... ... -• ■■