|
|
More news |
| Stenocarpus cultivars good for cut-foliage | |
| Yuruga Nursery, Australia, has been identifying and evaluating the commercial potential of a range of native species for the cut-flower and the cut-foliage market, sponsoring a Queensland Government project. As part of this project, Yuruga has registered two hybrid cultivars of Stenocapus 'Forest Lace' and 'Forest Gem' with Plant Breeders’ Rights. The Stenocarpus genus (Proteaceae) includes some 25 tree species. The seed raised selection Stenocarpus ‘Tully River’ and the two protected cultivars (vegetatively propagated) referred to above, scored highly in a series of trials as new varieties for cut-foliage, perceived as alternatives for Ruscus, Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ and Persoonia longifolia. Plants of Stenocarpus ‘Tully River’ have fine dark green fine pinnate leaves tipped with copper. ‘Forest Lace’ produces particularly delicate long thin stems with highly pinnate green leaves. All of these selections are excellent for use in bouquets and have been judged as highly appropriate for export markets. The selected varieties branch readily but when cut, the uppermost lateral buds are especially vigorous. It is necessary to remove the uppermost lateral buds if to stimulate growth of the lower buds. Stenocarpus davallioides, S. sinuata and S. salignus all have useful ornamental characteristics. Proteaceae plants tend to be at their best in warm, dry conditions. Inland, unseasonable early and late frosts often kill all but the hardiest specimens. But where winter temperatures regularly drop to -6°C or lower, most proteas require frost protection. The right soil conditions are essential. The protea family is mainly adapted to mineral based soils that drain very quickly and which often have low nutrient levels. These soils tend to be moderately acid and are often especially low in phosphates. Proteas need nutrients just like any other plant but plants are easily damaged by high phosphate levels and intense bursts of nutrients that lead to overly rapid growth. The best results are obtained using slow release, low phosphate fertilisers in late winter and mid summer. This will keep the plants growing slowly but steadily; any bolting into growth tends to weaken them. Proteaceous plants do not tolerate wet foliage or high humidity for long periods and in areas prone to these conditions extra ventilation will help reduce the incidence of fungal diseases. Most Proteaceae prefer full sun. For more inmformation contact: Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd, Fax: +61 7 4093 3869, Email: nursery@yuruga.com.au www.yuruga.com.au Clonal Solutions Australia Pty is an associated Company that is involved in the mass propagataion of tree clones. This includes the propagation of over 1000 ‘superior’ clones of Eucalyptus. Fax: +61 7 4093 3869 E-mail: nursery@clonal-solutions.com.au www.clonal-solutions.com.au |
|