Re: Pachystegia insignis

bridget lamp wrote:
> Anyone out there have success in propagating this from
> either cuttings or seed?  I just love this plant!

Hi Bridget.
Though I have had my Pachystegia bush for many years I have never
investigate propagating it, but I have a helpful book "The Propagation of New Zealand Native Plants" by no less than Laurie Metcalf, who is a world expert on cultivation our native flora.

Before I quote what he says about propagating this plant I must just
explain a couple of techniques he mentions in the text.

Scree technique. The seed raising soil is covered with a layer of 10mm (1/2inch) stone chips or coarse gravel. "With the stone chips it should be just possible to see the mix between some of the chips, the grit particles being smaller provide a slightly denser cover." The seeds may be scattered over the chips or grit, but "daisy" seeds being fluffy do not always go through and can instead be sown on the mix surface before the scree covering is applied.

Cool-moist Stratification. " Soak the seeds in water overnight, or for 24 hours if they have hard seed coats. Clean any seeds that are contained in fleshy fruits. Then drain off the water, mix the seeds with 3-4 times their own volume of moist medium, put the mixture into a polythene bag and seal it. Leave at room temperature for 3-4 days to enable the seeds to take up as much moisture as possible, otherwise the chilling period is less effective. Place the bag in a refrigerator at about 3ºC (37ºF) Gently shake the bag once a week to keep the seeds well aerated and moisten the mix as required Most species require only 4-12 weeks refrigeration, after which they are sown immediately".

Right, now for details on Pachystegia insignis
Seed
Easily raised from seed which ripens between (Northern Hemisphere) July and September and stores reasonably well for periods up to six months.

Sow when fresh (or dry for one month before sowing). Preferably use the scree technique (Plants will often readily self-seed in gravel).
Some growers recommend cool-moist storage for one month before sowing.

Keep seedlings on the dry side to prevent damping off. Slugs and snails are very fond of seedlings.

Cuttings
P insignis will grow from cuttings, but with some difficulty.

For best results take semi-hadwood or hardwood cuttings in (N. Hemisphere) August or September. Thinner shoots are easier to strike than very thick ones. Treat with hormone and root in to intermediate conditions. Rooting can take up to six months.

(NOte though Laurie doesn't suggest it, I wonder if it would be worth trying layering. I have often found where cuttings were difficult I have had much better success with layers.M)

> Also, if anyone is up on the synonym for this plant,
> or if there is a name change, I would like to know.
> My Index of Garden Plants lists "Olearia insignis".

The latest information I have on this is from Botanica (NZ) 3rd edition (1999), which cites Olearia as a synonym. Apparently botanists are arguing about its status, But Metcalf (whose opinion carries a lot of weight) comed down firmly on the side of Pachystegia.

Hope this will help you to successful propagation!

 Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan,
Wainuiomata, North Island, NZ.     Pictures of our garden at:-
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/cherie1/Garden/TonyandMoira/index.htm
NEW PICTURES ADDED 4/Feb/2004


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