Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Cultivation => Cultivation Problems => Topic started by: Darren on July 07, 2011, 08:13:27 AM

Title: Androsace bulleyana
Post by: Darren on July 07, 2011, 08:13:27 AM

I've tried this from seed a few times over the years since seeing a magnificent potful when on a group visit to our 'Veteran Vet's' garden. This year looks like my best attempt yet. Seeds from the exchange sown in march germinated well and I now have several little plants up to 3cm diameter  :). I know it will die after flowering but I love the colour.

But.....

Every time I grow this plant it starts to look chlorotic after a few weeks - dark at the midrib but getting much paler at the leaf edges. This goes away for a while after repotting the seedlings (this years are in their 3rd pot so far) but re-apppears after a few weeks. This strongly suggests a nutrient deficiency but if it is then this species seems to exhaust whatever supplies are in the compost very quickly. Obviously the thing to do for now is keep moving it on - unless someone can suggest an alternative? I've tried liquid feeds to no avail.

Does it, for example, need a really acid compost?

Title: Re: Androsace bulleyana
Post by: arisaema on July 07, 2011, 09:07:06 AM

This picture from Napa Hai might give you an idea; dry, sunny and presumably very alkaline.

Title: Re: Androsace bulleyana
Post by: Darren on July 07, 2011, 10:52:40 AM

That does help actually - I think I might try a spot in a trough with tufa!
Thanks :)

Title: Re: Androsace bulleyana
Post by: Giles on July 07, 2011, 07:08:50 PM

.they've got some on the sand beds at Wisley (confirms the above, I guess, ..dry and sunny)

Title: Re: Androsace bulleyana
Post by: Darren on July 08, 2011, 12:45:16 PM

Thanks Giles. Sounds like we have a plan!