Gardeners’ queries

Press, 29 August 1986, Page 19

Gardeners’ queries

We have a number of little azaleas which are looking a bit sick, much like the en-, closed specimen. Could you identify the trouble and suggest a cure? T. N. (Ashburton). Leaf roller caterpillars are responsible for the browning, matting, and chewed conditions of the leaves. Various insecticides such as carbaryl and permethrin will give control. About two months ago we shifted a grapefruit which is about four years old. The new location has very wet undersoil, but as it is peat, we thought that it would eventually acclimatise and perk up. Instead, it looks like it is dying fast .despite

the removal of all fruit and trimming back. Would it be better to move it elsewhere, or what do you recommend we do to save it? E. K. (Chch). Citrus trees do not thrive in poorly drained soils, and they do not transplant easily when established unless well wrenched and moved with a good ball of soil attached to the roots. Further, the heavy frosts experienced this winter were not helpful in relocating susceptible evergreens. The only comment I could make about the specimen in question, is that it should survive if the roots are still alive, and that a better site may then be desirable. Enclosed are samples of

two shrubs found growing.on a recently purchased property. I need identification and some background please.

The specimen with the alternate and pinnate leaves is Alectryon excelsus tikoki, an evergreen endemic of spreading growth habit which will exceed eight metres. This tree, most notable for its colourful seed, makes a fine specimen choice for more sheltered locations. Pseudopanax discolour, the other plant, is also an endemic, of bushy nature, and may attain a height of four to six metres. This species of Pseudopanax is not as generally grown as some of the other varieties but can be well recommended and makes a good tubplant. .