Re: Sparmannia africana
Sparmannia is a good deal hardier than a lot of folks would suggest
and happily grows outside here, although the larger, 'summer leaves'
are often replaced with much smaller ones for winter and flowering
tends to be concentrated mainly during spring and early summer, with
occasional clusters appearing later. They really seem to need plenty
of nitrogen and thrive in humus enriched soils. I have seen and
recognise that semi-chlorotic condition mentioned and invariably it
has been caused by the plant being grown in poor, thin soil that has
'run out of steam'. Regular, heavy applications of good, rich, garden
compost, together with a dressing of a balanced, general fertiliser
should bring the plant around.
Dave Poole
TORQUAY UK
http://www.ilsham.demon.co.uk/gardenviews.html
