Only rediscovered recently the Wollemi pine is now readily available for sale and once established, it is easy care. Gardeners have taken to this living fossil and are growing it containers as well as in the ground.
Used as a feature tree in a container it is grown on verandahs and patios where its unique appearance attracts attention. It will grow happily in these conditions, however will need repotting after 4 – 5 years. This is best done in winter, and be careful not to over-pot.
The main problems gardeners seem to face is root problems due to poor drainage and / or overwatering.
One of the problems some gardeners face if yellowing or brown leaves. This can be caused by a number of factors.
- To much sun on new foliage.
- Mealy Bug.
A little Wollemi pine History.
Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) is remarkable tree discovered only recently and now recognised as one of the worlds oldest species.
Thanks to commercial propagation this interesting specimen is now available for sale at specialist nurseries.
In its natural habitat the Wollemi Pine can reach 40m and more, in cultivation it is difficult to tell, however we would assume a fair bit shorter perhaps to 20m. However in a container and with some pruning in winter months growth can easily be controlled.
How to Grow the Wollemi Pine
Care is not difficult given a moist soil but well drained soil, full sun to part shade, and this wonderful tree is well suited to growing inputs or containers given appropriate water.
Newly planted trees can suffer a little yellowing of the foliage in full sun, however they will recover once established. In a well lit position this tree could also be grown indoors.
A low phosphorus fertilizer in slow release form is adequate.
Propagation
Propagation is from tip cuttings or from seed.
How to Take Wollemi Pine Cuttings
- Wollemi Pines are one of the easier conifers to grow from cuttings.
- The best cuttings are those from the tips of the side shoots that often appear on the plant. So to top of upright shoots.
- Cuttings should be around 15cm long, the lower 1/3 to 1/2 of the foliage removed, by snipping off.
- Use a liquid rooting hormone and paint this on to the lower part where the foliage has been removed.
- A powdered rooting hormone could also be used.
- The cuttings should be placed in a pot filled with washed river sand, although a normal potting mix can work as well.
- Keep the growing medium moist, never wet and soggy and the plant in dappled shade.
- Roots should form and the plants ready to pot up in around 6 – 8 months.
Cuttings taken from side branches tend to create plants that have a horizontal growth rather than upright, so be aware.
You can use this type of cutting to create a lower growing look which may suit some gardens.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Wollemia nobilis
- Common Name -Wollemi Pine
- Family – Araucariaceae
- Origins – South coast of Australia.
- Height – From 20 – 35 metres metres in height. – Much smaller in containers.
- Spread – To around 5 metres – Less in containers
- Growth rate – Medium
- Position – Light shade.
- Soil – Moist
- Flowers – N/A.
- Flowering Time – N/A
- Foliage – Mid to deep green.
- Frost tolerant – Yes.
- Drought tolerant – No
Available for sale from the following nurseries
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family business selling a large range of deciduous trees in pots 1-4m high. Crepe myrtle specialist. Includes Ornamental pears & plums, Red maples, Japanese maples, Gingko, Cercis, Ash, Birch, Crab apples, Weeping cherries, Gleditsia, Liquidambar and more. Hedging plants, evergreen trees & fruit trees.
www.adelaidetreefarm.com.au
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