Plant Doctor Archive

Myrtle tree

I HAVE a myrtle tree that I have had about 10 years. Although I have shifted it a few times (the last time five years ago) it has not flowered. It has very healthy foliage, is protected from most winds and I live about a kilometre from the sea facing the east. Two years ago I bought another and planted it alongside the first one hoping the older one might get the message. The new one of two years flowered this year beautifully, but still nothing from the old one. Any ideas that you can offer will be most gratefully received and acted on.

WELL, you certainly are busy in your garden. The myrtle, or crepe myrtle as they are sometimes known, make a great show. The plant may be under performing due to the transplant shock that it has had to cope with over the 10 years. Watch where you have it placed in the garden, and where you have had it. Myrtles like a free-draining site, and don't like too much shade. They need full sun and don't like a lot of feeding. When you do feed them, do it in late winter or early spring. Feed with Yates Nutricote Outdoor and Garden or Gro-Plus Professional Total Plant Food. Either of these fertilisers will help the plant over spring and summer. You could use Yates Thrive Flower and Fruit to add some potash to the soil. It may pay to persevering with your tree, but you may have to leave it to do its own thing.

Reproduced with permission from the former Weekend Gardener magazine. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH.