Gardeners' Question Time Dundee: Amaryllis, Monkey Puzzles and Australian Plants
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Dec 12, 2025 Join horticulturists Matthew Pottage, Kirsty Wilson, and Neil Porteous as they delve into pressing gardening questions. They reveal expert tips on propagating monkey puzzle trees and recommend hardy Australian plants that can brave Dundee's winters. Curious about why your Amaryllis isn't flowering? They share insights on optimal care for Hippeastrum. Plus, they assess storm-damaged trees and explore the fascinating Garden Futures exhibition. It's a treasure trove of plant wisdom and gardening advice!
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Rooting Monkey Puzzle Cuttings
- Take monkey puzzle cuttings from basal shoots and remove lower needles before potting in perlite with rooting gel.
- Use liquid seaweed and be prepared for callus and rooting to take up to 18–24 months, says Neil Porteous.
Site Cold Frames For Maximum Sun
- Place a cold frame to maximise sun exposure, ideally southeast-facing to catch morning to mid-afternoon sun.
- Avoid dense shade where frames become very cold and produce drawn, weak growth, advises Neil Porteous.
Choose Hardy Australasia Plants
- Try hardy Australian plants like Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon', Callistemon (bottlebrush) and hardy eucalypts; choose sheltered or south-facing microclimates.
- Coppicing eucalypts and planting against walls increases survivability in colder UK locations, says the panel.