[Fwd: Re: Lobster Claw]

Sorry- forgot to adjust the address
-- 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, 
New Zealand (astride the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).

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Tim Dutton wrote:
> 
> Dave Poole said:
> 
> I've got a 3 year old Clianthus puniceus which is about 8ft across and
> has been flowering superbly since January.  I decide to tidy it up
> today....and noticed that several branches appear to be dying
> back.  T
> Tony, Moira - does this happen in New Zealand?
> ---
> 
> Well Dave, the only thing that springs to mind is that Clianthus puniceus
> is a fairly short-lived shrub. I have never succeeded in growing one for
> more than five years maximum (of course that may just be me). As a result I
> try to take cuttings after 2 to 3 years to ensure I have a new plant ready
> for when the old one dies. I know 3 years is not very old, but 8 feet is
> quite big, and if it has been flowering well, that may be the reason it is
> now dying back - it has done its dash.

Tim
Exactly my reaction. I have quite often seen plants go into a decline
after as little as three years and consider your five would be a pretty
good run. The large size is pretty ominous too, as I have noticed that
commonly their length of survival seems to be inversely proportional to
vigour.

So two suggestions Dave. Take cuttings without delay and perhaps be a
little less kind to your subsequent plants. I have a sneaking suspicion
they don't respond well to too much rich living.

Moira
-- 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, 
New Zealand (astride the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).

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