Meryta sinclairii
12th December 2009
A very spectacular member of the Araliaceae from New Zealand. Large shiny leaves
on a strong growing shrub. Even in the more favoured parts of the county it is developing a reputation for being a little too tender. I have it in the conservatory,
which is unheated but protected by the house and it has come through a testing winter undamaged, so if I get enough growth to try cuttings, I might eventually
risk one outside.
24th September 2011
16th October 2013
For some years it has lurked in the conservatory and I still had about a foot of spare headroom
when I planted it in the shady end of the Agave house. It has spent a happy summer in the soil growing
significantly, and before very long the roof would be a problem. Unfortunately I am not expecting it to survive the winter.
I have considered cutting it back and keeping it stunted in a pot but I think the time has come to take a risk
and probably lose an old friend.
There is a small chance that it will survive, in which case the early warmth in the Agave house will help it to recover.
6th February 2018
3rd March 2018