Brachychiton acerifolius
13th September 2014
I was given a young plant and I kept it in the greenhouse to protect it from the worst ravages of cold. Unfortunately
as the summer progressed every year it was infested with mealy bugs that lodged in the leaf axils and prevented any extension growth.
Last year I had the sense to move it outside and it looked (almost) happy for the first time in years. I think it should probably go outside,
but I am feeble and I lack courage. There isn't the slightest chance that it will ever produce its scarlet flowers.
It comes from the subtropical east coast of Australia, but it is surprising how many plants from the region will tolerate
a touch of cold. Time will tell how heavy the touch can be!