Q.
Hi, we have a pohutukawa tree (1.5m) in a pot. This year only a couple of flowers came out which was disappointing. I have fed and watered it regularly. Is there anything else I can do to encourage more flowers? Regards, Barb.
A.
Pohutukawas (Metrosideros excelsior) are huge trees so are best suited to growing in the garden as they are a very upright growing tree. Something the size of a wine barrel would be a minimum size you would want to grow a tree in. There are smaller growing relatives of the pohutukawa tree that are more suited to container growing such as Metrosideros Spring Fire which is a Pacific rata. It is more compact growing and will flower prolifically when grown in pots and containers.
To care for your pohutukawa feed it with Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic which will improve the trees overall health and gives frost protection up to about minus 5ºC. Feed the tree with sheep pellets in spring and late summer and make sure it is watered regularly. You can trim it to encourage branching and make the tree more bushy which may give you more flowers.
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How do I encourage more flowers on my pohutukawa? Comments
I have been growing some bulb and tuber plants last a few years. They shoots out at right time of the year and grow ok, but some plants are not flowering well or even none. What can I do to make them flower?
Yukari Morimoto
Hi Yukari, bulbs need plenty of sunlight, water and fertiliser to thrive. If you are growing them in pots, you need to change the potting mix every two years and feed with Tui NovaTec Premium - suitable for pots and containers. If you are growing them in the garden feed them in spring and autumn with Tui Bulb Food. Once they have finished flowering, leave all the foliage on the plants until they die right back. Thanks, Tui Team.
jenna
interesting answers to gardening problems
Dave Roberts
Hi Yukari, we are delighted to inform you that your question has been chosen to feature in our newsletter and on our website ? congratulations! Please email us at info@tuiproducts.co.nz to confirm your address for delivery of your prize. Thanks, Jenna - Tui Team.
jenna
My Pohutukawa is in a pot too, what time of year is best to plant it out, we are in Dunedin.
Maria Jackson
Hi Maria, winter is the best time to transplant. Over the coldest months when most plants are not actively growing their metabolism slows right down, which means there is less chance of transplant shock when moving. Check out our guide here: http://www.tuigarden.co.nz/howtoguide/transplanting-trees-shrubs-roses-perennials-and-bulbs Thanks, Tui Team.
jenna
Our large, 16 year old Pohutukawa has never flowered. We are on clay soil in Aramoho, Wanganui. Is there anything we can do to encourage it?
Sue Beardslee
Hi Sue, this must be frustrating. Common causes of lack of flowering is climate, normally colder areas can cause lack of flower as the flower buds can be frosted, not sure how cold you get, but it could be a reason. The other issue could be lack of fertiliser, apply a slow release general fertiliser now, it may not give you results for this season as the flower buds would already have been formed but it may show a difference for next season. The last cause could be lack of sun; they need full sun to trigger flower development. All the best, Tui Team
jenna
The tree is very healthy looking, about 8 metres high, and 5-6 wide. Approximately how much fertilizer would it need? It is on clay soil with a high water table.
Sue Beardslee
Hi Sue, great to hear the tree is looking healthy. The amount of fertiliser will depend on which fertiliser you use - follow the directions on the pack for established trees (it will be listed in grams/tablespoons). All the best, Tui Team.
jenna
Apparently not enough potassium, and the tree is not stressed enough to want to save the species by producing offspring!
Sue Beardslee
I have grown a Pohutukawa from seed into a bonsai approx 30cm tall and the same across. This year, after 18 years it is covered in flower buds! In the previous 2-3 yrs it has only had a few flowers. I have no idea what I?ve done differently in the last year to get such a fantastic result, but I have read with interest the comments above about feeding. The pot it is in is only about 12cm deep, so hardly a wine barrel.
Adrian
Hi Adrian, thanks for getting in touch. That is very interesting and great to hear you have had success with flowers this year on your Pohutukawa. We would recommend feeding to help continue good plant health. Enjoy the blooms! - Tui Team
jenna