Re: Proteas - longevity under stressed conditions

david feix wrote:
It sounds to me like your plants have had a bit too
much of a struggle since first being planted out, and
would have benefitted from a bit more supplemental
water the first few years, as well as topdressing with
humus or compost to give a dilute feed.

Obviously David we are approaching Charl's problem for opposite directions - I was aiming to give him long-lived plants and you to ensure quick and abundant growth and flowering. However, at least with most Proteas I have grown, I seem to have achieved both long life and ultimately good size and abundant flowers by the hard method. I would though agree one needs to water occasionally in dry weather during the establishment period and I said as much in my posting. I also feel that fairly large stones around the base of the stem can be helpful, not only in the early years to supplement a rather frail root system and give support in high winds, but also throughout life to help with moisture retention.

Your suggestion of the hybrid 'Pink Ice' opens up another possibility. While most species Proteaas respond well to hard growing the use of hybrids seems to offer an extra flexibilty in their growth responses. I was especially interested to see that you say Pink Ice will even tolerate being given phosphorus, which is a definite no-no with most of the species, more than a slight trace of this element in their diet often actually poisoning them. I wonder what is the aveageslifespan of htis particularly attractive and useful variety.

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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