Abelia
Abelia is an attractive arching 2 - 3 m shrub with small leaves and white to pink bell-shaped flowers during summer and autumn.
New Zealand Christmas Bush (Metrosideros thomasii) is a fantastic flowering shrub that is ideal to be used as a hedge or screen and is easy to care for. Available in many different varieties and colours with gorgeous tones of orange and red flowers. Their leathery leaves protect them in extremes of weather making them salt and wind tolerant, so perfect for exposed coastal areas.
How to grow indoor christmas bush in a garden
- Choose a sunny or part shade spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.
- Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
- Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.
- Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
- Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
- Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser, or for a low-odour alternative: Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. Fertilise every 2 weeks to promote healthy foliage growth, strong root development & beautiful flowers.
- Prune on a regular basis to help bush the plants out. Prune in autumn for good flowering the following spring.
How to grow indoor christmas bush in a pot
- Select a dwarf variety and a pot at least 300mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.
- Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.
- Plant, backfill gently with potting mix and water in well.
- After the initial water, water the plants regularly allowing the plants to dry out slightly until the next watering.
- Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser, or for a low-odour alternative: Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. Fertilise every 2 weeks to promote healthy foliage growth, strong root development & beautiful flowers.
- Prune on a regular basis to help bush the plants out. Prune in autumn for good flowering the following spring.
Growing tips
Regular pruning will ensure there is always new growth and prevent the plants getting woody near the bottom.
Beautiful red flowers appear spring through to autumn. Great bee attracting shrub.
Plant at least 1.5m apart in the garden so there is a bit of room for growth in the early stages.
Abies
Abies, also known as Fir Trees, are tall evergreen conifers.
Abutilon
Abutilon, also known as Chinese Lanterns due to the shape of their flowers, are attractive shrubs mostly growing to 1 - 2 m tall.
Acer
Acer's or Hapanese Maples are attractive trees with stunning autumn foliage for cold & temperate climates.
Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser
Create organic nutrient rich soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter for better root growth, stronger plants and more flowers and fruit.
Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter
A high quality all purpose organic-based potting mix suitable for most indoor and outdoor potted plants.
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