Question From:
Rose Kapper in Mermaid Waters, Gold Coast QLD
Nature of problem:
My Summer Beauty gum tree has always flowered prolifically except for this season.There seem to be small bore holes or spots where something has got into the flower pods. There are hardly any flowers and much smaller.Any thoughts on what to do? It’a fully grow tree .
Type of Plant (if known):
Summer Beauty Gum fully grown
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Small bore holes in the flower pods 1st time ever
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Ground beside carport probably clay mostly after a metre
How often do you water the plant:
I don’t specialy as it’s well established and used to the seasons ,lots of rain lately after dry spell
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Full height so nothing restricting sunlight
What type of plant is it:
Summer Beauty Gum . The original May Gibb’s gum nut tree
How long since you planted it:
20 yrs or more
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
No
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors
What other treatments have you given the plant:
Nothing yet , just had a good look as the flowers seemed puny this year
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Answer: Hi Rose, I don’t know that I would worry. These borers probably are due to the strange weather conditions this year. Fertilise with any native fertiliser and water it well during any upcoming dry periods. Perhaps the only thing you might do to take even further is to dig some small holes around the tree to see if you have a water-repelling soil (ie dust-dry): if so use Seasol Super Soil Wetter. Don