The second instalment of the Root Awakening column for Jan 2010 was published yesterday. As usual, answers to three gardening questions were provided.
The first question was about the growing of the flaming beauty (Carphalea kirondron), which is a sun-loving shrub that is also a heavy feeder. It prefers to be grown in consistently moist soil that is enriched with well-rotted compost. One has to watch out for small sucking insects such as aphids, mealy bugs and white flies that may feed on young, emerging shoots. Attacks by these pests can cause new growth to die back. Spray with neem oil or white summer oil to eradicate these pests.
The second question was about a reader’s proble in growing of a rose said to be from Kunming. Note that the rose plant needs to be protected from the tropical mid-day sun. Roses like to be grown in a sunny area with moist, well-draining, fertile soil that is supplemented with organic matter such as compost. One can fertilise plants with a suitable rose fertilizer or water-soluble ones like Gaviota and Phostrogen, made up according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Heat can be a serious problem with roses during the hot season where new shoots and buds can dry up as a result. Grow in pots so that it is easier to move plants to semi-shaded areas during that time.
Also, rose plants are commonly affected thrips or spider mites that commonly attack young growth and new flower buds of rose plants. To eradicate these pests, Condifor (active ingredient is imidacloprid), which is a systemic pesticide has been found to be particularly effective. Before spraying, it is best to prune away affected parts so as to reduce the population of pests.
The last question dealt with the lack of flowers of a yellow frangipani plant. Note that this plant is a sun-lover and one has to ensure his/her frangipani plant receives sufficient duration of direct sunshine. A recommended duration would be at least 6 hours daily. It would be beneficial to feed the plant with a fertiliser to promote flowering that is high in phosphorous content. Refrain from fertilizing your plant with only organic fertiliser which is usually rich in nitrogen that promotes growth of foliage. Make sure that the soil pH is right so that nutrients required for growth are not locked up or in excess which will affect the plant. The optimal pH range for frangipani is from 6.4 to 6.8.
