Hi. I've germinated some seeds of Eucalyptus rubida and they are still
in their seed tray, in a sandy, gritty mix. I've done a few web
searches and have picked up the following information about this
plant:

1) It transplants badly, so the seedlings should either be pricked out
when still at the seed-leaf stage or left to grow on in the tray until a
bit bigger;

2) It needs a neutral to acidic soil and will not tolerate an alkaline
soil;

3) The plants should not be fed once in the ground, and should
definitely not be given extra phosphorus.

Are these all true, in your experience?

I live in South London, UK. Our soil is heavy clay and the rubble
we've had to dig out has made it quite alkaline. I'm hoping to grow
several Eucalyptus rubida in a mixed border, keeping them pruned as
shrubs rather than trees. Do I have any chance of success? I'm
prepared to dig in lots of grit and sand to further improve drainage
(which isn't too bad), but I'm not sure I can do much to lower the pH
of the soil, if alkalinity really is a problem.

I'd be grateful for any advice. Many thanks.


--
Ornata

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"Ornata" <Ornata.1md4vz [at] news.gardenbanter.co.uk> wrote in message
news:Ornata.1md4vz [at] news.gardenbanter.co.uk...
>
> Hi. I've germinated some seeds of Eucalyptus rubida and they are still
> in their seed tray, in a sandy, gritty mix. I've done a few web
> searches and have picked up the following information about this
> plant:
>
> 1) It transplants badly, so the seedlings should either be pricked out
> when still at the seed-leaf stage or left to grow on in the tray until a
> bit bigger;

Hi there
As a general rule of thumb for seedlings you don't prick out until there are
2-4 true leaves. I'd do it at that stage, 2-4 true leaves, that way the root
system shouldn't be too advanced that it doesn't like disturbance, yet not
too small it will get damaged.

> 2) It needs a neutral to acidic soil and will not tolerate an alkaline
> soil;

Yeah, i'd agree on that

> 3) The plants should not be fed once in the ground, and should
> definitely not be given extra phosphorus.

You can feed Eucalypts once in ground, just with fertilisers very low, or no
phosphorous in them. Dynamic lifter, which is pelletized chook poo is safe.

> Are these all true, in your experience?
>
> I live in South London, UK. Our soil is heavy clay and the rubble
> we've had to dig out has made it quite alkaline. I'm hoping to grow
> several Eucalyptus rubida in a mixed border, keeping them pruned as
> shrubs rather than trees. Do I have any chance of success? I'm
> prepared to dig in lots of grit and sand to further improve drainage
> (which isn't too bad), but I'm not sure I can do much to lower the pH
> of the soil, if alkalinity really is a problem.

We have Eucalyptus at work growing in clay soil. Unless rubida is extra
sensitive to it, then it should grow ok. The downfall in clay is you can get
shallow root systems, or they will grow poorly/slowly. You may find pruning
the tips of the branches may cause the whole branch to die. I'd dig in some
cheap brand potting mix, plant them and hope for the best.
Good luck
Andrew

> I'd be grateful for any advice. Many thanks.
>
>
> --
> Ornata
>
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