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Camellia Hedges
April, 2021
Camellias make a fantastic hedge, not only do their glossy green leaves look good all year round, but they produce a wonderful display of flowers from Autumn through to late winter. Cold hardy and easy-care Camellias are a fantastic plant when used to soften fence lines, for use as formal hedge or simply planted in groups as a backdrop to lower growing shrubs.

When planting a Camellias hedge there are three main groups to consider.

Sasanquas - early flowering, smaller leaves, and flowers, with an open growth habit perfect for screens or informal hedges.Sasanquas - early flowering, smaller leaves, and flowers, with an open growth habit perfect for screens or informal hedges.

Japonica and hybrid - large leaves forming a tight growth habit, with a wide range of flowers which come in different forms and colours, generally with a longer flowering season.

When to plant and how to plant

  • • Autumn through to late winter
  • • Plant a well-drained soil enriched with compost and slow-release fertiliser
  • • When planting space between 1 - 1.5 metres between each plant
  • • Plant in acidic soil that has good drainage and plenty of moisture during the summer months.
  • • Camellias prefer a position that has dappled or full shade

Care and maintenance

  • • For a formal hedge trim lightly and more frequently which results in tight compact growth.
  • • For a less formal look simply prune to height and shape.
  • • Prune an established hedge after flowering has finished.
  • • Feed with a slow-release fertiliser after flowering and just before a growth spurt starts at the end of winter.

Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight'
March, 2021
Its interesting to watch the plants on the Nursery as they come into flower and see which ones attract Bees, Caryopteris 'Dark Knight' has certainly proven to stand out this summer as a plant Bees love to flock to.

A small compact deciduous shrub with grey-green leaves produces deep vibrant blue flowers throughout summer and autumn and at the same time providing a great food source for both butterflies and bees.

Key Features

  • • Semi-deciduous small shrub
  • • Tidy upright habit
  • • Plant in a sunny well drained position
  • • Lightly prune late spring to keep compact
  • • Grows 80cm x 80cm

Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Caring for your trees during summer
February, 2021
The hot dry weather during the summer months can put pressure on newly planted deciduous trees and shrubs particularly if their root systems are not fully established and the summers are dry.

With a little attention trees can be relieved of any stress by taking the following steps

Water your tree

To help it establish strong roots give your tree a deep watering about twice a week.

Some varieties of deciduous trees that have more delicate leaves which may tend to dry up consistent deep watering should stop this happening.

Apply mulch around the base of the tree (avoid mulch touching the trunk). Mulching will prevent moisture from evaporating from the soil.

Feed your tree

Applying an all-purpose slow-release fertiliser or mulching with compost at the beginning of each season which will ensure your plants fed for the oncoming months.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Dwarf Agapanthus
January, 2021
Over the last few years dwarf growing Agapanthus have becoming increasingly popular with gardeners as these tough little plants require very little maintenance, are drought tolerant and are the perfect plant for mass planting in an easy-care garden, or for use as a border plant.

The two small growing varieties produced at Growing Spectrum are Agapanthus 'Mini Me' and the very popular Agapanthus 'Agapetite' both of which smother themselves with small compact flowers early summer.

Agapanthus ‘Mini Me’ PVR

  • • Tiny sky-blue flowers are produced on a short stem in a profusion of colour during the summer months
  • • Evergreen
  • • H 15cm x 20cm

Agapanthus Agapetite PVR

  • • A small and compact plant which will smoother itself in masses of heads of double white flowers
  • • Best planted in full sun for maximum flowering through the summer
  • • Evergreen
  • • H 10cm x 20cm
View plant profile >


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Growing Spectrums December favourite – 'Liliums'
December, 2020
There is something special about the stunning flowers of lilies at Christmas time. The highly fragrant Lily ‘Snow Queen’ with its long-trumpet like flowers are an old favourite for use as cut flower, with their exotic perfume filling the whole house. Asiatic lilies the earliest flowering, have become increasingly popular for growing in pots offering a wide range of colourful varieties to choose from.

Lilium Care

After flowering has finished leave the flower stem on the plant until it turns brown and the cut it off at ground level. Leaving the flower to wither on the plant allows energy to be drawn back into the bulb, preparing it for the next year's growth and flowering.

Cut Flowers

Pick flowers as the buds are just beginning to open. When cutting flowers to take indoors, remember that the bulb stores the current years nutrients for the next year. Leave one third of the plant when removing flowers.

Replanting

Pot grown lilies should be re potted every two years or so. Refresh the mix and divide if necessary. It is best to leave liliums grown in the ground for 4-5 years. This allows the bulb to grow large, producing more flowers.

Lilies in Pots

Choose a large pot with good drainage holes. Use a good quality potting mix. Liquid feed or add a slow release fertilizer after 4 weeks. Plant 1 bulb in a15 cm pot, 3 bulbs in 30cm pot. Fertilise each year and re-pot after three years. The new dwarf lilies are ideal for planting in pots.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Inca Alstroemerias (Peruvian lily)
November, 2020
November is the month when the majority of Alstroemerias come into flower, the range of colours available are divine, from soft pastels to the bright and vibrant tones of orange, red and purples.

Planted in the garden or in a container the Inca Alstroemerias have a medium habit and with minimal care these plants will reward the gardener with flowers for months from spring through to Autumn. Flowers are long lasting and a favourite flower for picking.

The majority of Hosta’s produce either white or mauve flowers on spikes late spring through to early summer. Flower spikes are held above lush foliage which makes these plants even more attractive.

Where to plant:

  • • In pots or containers
  • • Garden Beds as a feature plant or en masse in mixed plantings
  • • Plant in sun or partial shade
  • • Well drained soil

Plant Care:

  • • To stimulate the plant to produce new flower spikes Alstroemerias benefit from pulling off the dead flower stems at the base.
  • • Once plants establish themselves divide them by lifting in the winter months, this will ensure you get a mix of flower producing and vegetative tubers.
  • • Alstroemerias benefit from feeding, apply a slow release fertilizer early spring and autumn. If planted in the garden add an organic mulch early spring.
  • • Hardy, easy care perennial.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Hostas
October, 2020
As we move into the warmer months of Spring one plant that starts to pop its leaves through the soil is the Hosta or commonly known as a Plantain Lily.

These fabulous foliage perennials come in a range of different leaf textures and colours all of which can be used as a stunning accent plant when planted in groups under trees, in mixed plantings or in pots.

The majority of Hosta’s produce either white or mauve flowers on spikes late spring through to early summer. Flower spikes are held above lush foliage which makes these plants even more attractive.

Where to plant

  • • In a shady part of the garden
  • • Mass planted under trees
  • • In large pots positioned in a shady spot

Care

  • • Plant hostas in moist, fertile, well-drained soil that contains plenty of organic matter by any
  • • Keep moist, do not allow to dry out
  • • As the new leaves start to appear early spring regularly apply snail bait
  • • Apply a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer after planting or when growth emerges in the spring
  • • Once flowering has finished cut back flower spike


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Magnolia Fairy Series®
September, 2020
At Growing Spectrum, we grow a wide range of Magnolias, but one of the most spectacular is the small flowering, evergreen Fairy Magnolias.

Covering themselves with a mass display of fragrant flowers early spring they are easy to grow and come in a range of popular colours Blush, White and Cream.

Where to plant

  • • As an informal hedge
  • • A screening plant for creating privacy near boundaries
  • • Feature plant in a mixed shrub setting
  • • As a specimen plant in a large container

Features and benefits

  • • Quick and easy to establish
  • • Upright bushy habit
  • • Plant in full sun or part shade
  • • Grows 3-4 m high and 2m wide
  • • Trim to height and shape after flowering has finished


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Magnolias
August, 2020
With the long-awaited signs of spring slowly appearing the stunning, early flowering Magnolia are now starting to show flower.

The magnificent flowers of Magnolia trees are one of the most striking to be found in the winter garden. With several different varieties to choose from, the fabulous and often fragrant flowers come in many different forms and colours ranging from white, pink, purple or yellow.

Given the space deciduous Magnolias are easy to grow, require very little maintenance and are well worth considering as feature plant in the garden.

The evergreen varieties which have gained popularity and frequently used as a screen or hedge stay lush all year around and reward the gardener with highly scented flowers from mid-August through to mid-September.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Deciduous Trees
July, 2020
There is nothing more charming than picking a spray of Daphne flowers during the winter months and bringing it indoors.

Daphne's have been an all -time favourite with gardeners for many years providing colour and heavily scented flowers early winter and into spring. These attractive evergreen shrubs with their glossy, ever green leaves remain a tidy and attractive plant all year round.

Two of the most popular Daphne varieties are Daphne odora 'Leucanthe', and Daphne 'Perfume Princess', both of which are highly sought-after plants.

Key features

  • • Masses of large flowers open blush pink and fade to white
  • • Flowers highly perfumed with soft citrus undertones
  • • Winter flowering
  • • Long flowering season
  • • Bushy growing shrub to 1.2m high x 1m wide with rich glossy green foliage

Where to plant

  • • Underplanted beneath large trees or simply planted in garden beds
  • • Plant in light or dappled shade
  • • In well-drained, rich, and slightly acidic soil
  • • Add plenty of compost into the hole at the time of planting
  • • Trim lightly after flowering has finished


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Deciduous Trees
June, 2020
Suddenly winter has crept upon us, and it's starting to get cold! With the changing of the season, most deciduous trees and shrubs will start to go into dormancy, the perfect time to plant or prepare the ground for winter planting.

Our extensive range of deciduous trees (some of which have been growing in the ground for up to three years) will soon be lifted from the open ground Nursery ,once ready our teams have a very busy schedule processing these trees ready for supply to Garden Centres.

How to plant a tree

  • • Plant in a position which suits the tree
  • • Dig the hole three times wider and slightly deeper than the root ball
  • • Place the tree at the proper height. Do not plant the tree too deep
  • • Straighten the tree in the hole
  • • Fill the hole. Pack soil around the base of the root ball to stabilize it. Fill the remainder of the hole, firmly packing the soil to eliminate air pockets
  • • Avoid fertilization at the time of planting
  • • Stake the tree, if necessary. This will protect is from wind and keep it straight while establishing itself
  • • Mulch the base of the tree. Mulch is organic matter spread around the base of a tree to hold moisture
  • • Water trees once a week while they are establishing


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Hebe's
May, 2020
Hebe's are one of the most diverse shrubs we grow at Growing Spectrum, a small native shrub that thrives in many conditions and is easy to maintain.

By far, our 'Regal' series of Hebe's have proven to be our most popular range with gardeners who want a low growing, evergreen shrub that flowers over a long season. Hebe's flowers will attract bees and butterflies into the garden, flowering in lovely hues of purple, blue and whites.

This month our Hebe selection are looking superb, some varieties are in full of flower and ready for planting before the winter months creep in.

Where to and how to grow Hebe's

  • • Grow as small hedges
  • • Plant in garden beds
  • • Mass planted on banks
  • • Containers on a Patio - If planting in containers, use a good container mix containing a slow release fertilizer, Water well
  • • To keep plant compact trim when flowers have finished
  • • Plant in loose, well-drained soil
  • • Sun or semi-shade position


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

Autumn Days
April, 2020
With Autumn creeping up the changing of the seasons bring a whole new beauty to the garden, early flowering Camellia will start to flower and the leaves on deciduous trees will start to show signs of the stunning colours to come. There will also be colours appearing on the Autumn flowering perennials. A wonderful time of the year!

Traditionally April is a time of the year when gardeners are busy planting seasonal shrubs, and at Growing Spectrum we are busy sending our autumn lines into garden centres ready for sale. This year, April will be very different! Like all new Zealanders we find ourselves in 'lockdown' unable to send our products anywhere. It’s going to be a busy time for us and our garden centre customers once the lockdown ends!

But we can still enjoy and tend to our gardens. Think about changes that we would like to make, prepare for planting, soak up the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful Autumn days that we are experiencing. Lets make the most of this time and look forward to the months ahead when garden centres are open again.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Anemone 'Japonica'
March, 2020
Commonly known as Japanese Anemone this delightful perennial produces a standout show when planted beneath tree canopies or in low light areas.

Elegant flowers appear on tall stems up to a metre in height during late summer through to Autumn.

Where to Grow

  • • For maximum effect plant on mass under trees or in woodland areas
  • • Plant in semi-shady
  • • Plants thrive in moist well worked soil
  • • Plants spread quickly and easily
  • • Hardy


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Hydrangea paniculata
February, 2020
A favourite and one of the showiest plants flowering in the garden during February must be the Hydrangea paniculata's.

Not to be confused with the spring flowering varieties of Hydrangeas, paniculata forms produce large conical flower heads in magnificent displays summer through to autumn.

The new flowers appear white and as they mature change to shades creating a wonderful display in the garden. Compact and fast growing they are best planted in a sunny position.

Where to Grow

  • • For maximum effect plant in garden beds in well- drained soil
  • • Plant as a feature plant for small places
  • • Place in a sunny position, preferably with morning sun
  • • Enrich soil with organic matter or compost
  • • Prune late winter
  • • Deciduous and hardy


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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New Release Agapanthus 'Mini Me'
January, 2020
A new plant we are currently sending into Garden Centres is the new release Agapanthus 'Mini Me'.

A true dwarf Agapanthus both in foliage and in flower, this delightful new Agapanthus is not only drought tolerant but year-round retains its tidy habit making it the perfect plant for a border or mass planting.

Tiny sky-blue flowers are produced on a short stem in a profusion of colour during the summer months.

Agapanthus require very little maintenance, are drought tolerant therefore are well worth considering as an easy-care solution for the garden.

Note: This variety of Agapanthus does not set seed, meaning this is not invasive.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

Cannibals in the Nursery!
December, 2019
When the summer heat finally makes its way to the nursery so do the insect pests, which in a very short time can do substantial damage to many of our crops. To overcome this potential problem our practice at Growing Spectrum is to use biological insect control, minimising the necessity to spray chemicals.

What is Biological control?

Biological control is a method of controlling pests such as insects, mites, weeds and plant diseases by introducing a natural predator into their environment. This often occurs quite naturally in the home garden where you will often see Ladybirds feasting on their favourite snack of Green Aphids!

Predatory mites

During early summer we introduce a predatory mite into the nursery. These minute bugs eat the eggs, larva and adults of the plant-eating variety of mite. Clever! These tiny insects make their way around the Nursery feeding off spider mites and other insect pests in a safe and easy way helping to control insect pests in a natural way. For further information on this fascinating topic ref to Biological pest control - Wikipedia


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Polygala Little Bibi
November, 2019
ince the introduction of Polygala Little Bibi in 2015 it has continued to gain popularity. The appeal of a naturally compact, growing shrub which produces masses of long lasting of bright purple pea-like flowers makes it a particularly interesting plant for those looking to achieve impact. With the ever-decreasing size of sections this little gem is the perfect solution for the easy-care smaller gardens or planted in containers.

Polygala Little Bibi prefers to be planted in a sunny position and has the advantage of having a wide range of uses in the garden including:

  • • Low borders and hedging up to 70cm
  • • Containers to brighten up entertainment areas
  • • Mixed garden beds
  • • Patios and courtyards
  • • General garden and landscape use


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Fabulous Hostas
October, 2019
Hostas, or commonly known as plantain lilies are one of the most fabulous foliage perennials that only get better with age. Their stunning leaves which come in an amazing variety of colours and textures start emerging late September early October and will start flowering November.

As Hosta’s prefer a cooler situation in semi shade they are the prefect accent plant for planting in the dappled shade of trees.

For the best care of Hostas, plant them in rich organic soil with a slightly acidic pH, ensuring an application of slug and snail bait is applied as new leaves are emerging. A light scattering of sand around each plants will also help to keep slugs and snails at bay.

Currently at the Nursery Growing Spectrums’ extensive range of Hosta’s are now ready for sale and will be available in garden centres for Spring sales.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Fairy Magnolias®
September, 2019
Late August early September is when Fairy Magnolias® start their spectacular flowering period. These small evergreen trees produce masses of beautiful lightly fragrant flowers for weeks on end, colours ranging from blush pink, white or cream.

This fantastic tree also has a reputation for growing easily and quickly a perfect solution to not only give shade and privacy but also add beauty and style to your garden.

Once established as hedging or screening plants, they can be trimmed into formal hedges or left to grow as informal screens.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Chatham Island Forget-me-not
August, 2019
Myosotidium hortensia also known as Chatham Island Forget-me-not is a NZ native originating from the Chatham Islands. This fantastic perennial produces flowers of a most beautiful shade of blue in early Spring with its large, glossy deep green leaves making it a striking accent plant.

From late winter and early spring Growing Spectrum supplies garden centres with this stunning plant.

Where and how to grow Chatham Island Forget-me not

  • • Plant In a shaded spot in the garden
  • • Mass plant under Trees
  • • Containers in a shaded spot on Patios
  • • Plant in the garden late Winter or early Spring
  • • Plant in well drained, moist soil
  • • Add organic compost to soil at the time of planting
  • • If planting in containers, use a good container mix containing a slow release fertilizer, ensuring the container has good drainage. Water well.
  • • Mulch in Spring with organic matter, feed regularly with liquid seaweed
  • • When flowering has finished prune off flower heads
  • • Protect from Slugs and Snails


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Helleborus ‘Olivias Joy’.
July, 2019
On occasion those dreary winter days can be challenging when working at a Nursery, but one delightful corner of the Nursery that seems to wash away those winter blues, this is where we grow our winter Hellebores. At this time of the year they are starting to flower and are breath taking to wander amongst.

Helleborus ‘Olivias Joy’ is a new release for 2019 and is looking absolutely stunning with its long stems of soft blush pink flowers held well above the beautiful veined evergreen foliage.

‘Olivia’s Joy’ makes a delightful indoor plant for up to three weeks and will then prove a firm favourite for both flower and foliage in a semi-shaded border or medium container.


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Open Days at Growing Spectrum.
June, 2019
Recently Growing Spectrum held a series of open days for our Retail customers. This very popular event was held over three days and was the perfect chance for attendees to gain an understanding of our Nursery and the way in which we produce plants.

During the day comprehensive information was shared by our teams, with discussions taking place covering topics such as:

  • • Propagation and tissue culture - the production of tissue culture plants from the lab to dispatch
  • • Licensed product, what is involved in securing new releases
  • • Forward planning and the time it takes to grow plants
  • • Quality control – how we manage this and how important it is
  • • Soils and mixes how important they are to our nursery production
  • • Dispatch and production teams - their role within the nursery

Each day included nursery walks at Growing Spectrum and the open ground nursery at Pirongia where our deciduous trees and long-term field grown shrubs are grown.

A fantastic couple of days were had by all participants.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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New Release Hebe’s from Growing Spectrum.
April, 2019
This Autumn we are excited to finally release two new additions to our popular range of Regal Hebes, Hebe 'William' and Hebe 'Louis'

Bred in the Waikato and for New Zealand conditions these NZ natives are versatile and hardy making them a very appealing plant for the garden.

Joining the Regal series are:

Hebe 'Louis'

  • • Ground cover Hebe which grows flat on the ground
  • • Masses of white flowers in summer
  • • Glossy green foliage stays compact all year round
  • • Grows H15cm xW1M

Hebe 'William'

  • • Compact rounded growth with a bronze tinge to the foliage
  • • Masses of pale mauve flowers in the summer.
  • • For maximum effect plant in groups in the garden or on banks
  • • Grows H50cm x W50cm


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Growing Hellebores
March, 2019
Hellebores and commonly known as ‘winter roses’ are one of Growing Spectrums favourite winter colour crops. These wonderful perennials have become a popular plant for gardeners, who each year wait for the exciting new varieties to be released.

Last week our propagation team have been busy, carefully preparing the Hellebore tissue which takes 18 months and serval different stages of production before becoming the flowering plants we supply to Garden Centres in winter 2020.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Lavender ‘Sweet Romance’
February, 2019
Lavender ‘Sweet Romance’ a variety of the English Lavandula, is one of the most highly fragrant crops we grow on the Nursery.

Lavender ‘Sweet Romance’ is a compact form producing masses of intensely fragrant, deep blue-mauve flowers early summer through to early autumn.

Where to Grow

Lavender ‘Sweet Romance’ prefers to be planted in a sunny position with good drainage.

This Lavender has a wide range of uses in the garden including:

  • • Low hedges
  • • Containers to brighten up patios and courtyards
  • • Mixed garden beds
  • • Formal garden plantings
  • • Lavender ‘Sweet Romance’ grows up to 50cm high by 30cm wide


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Lomandra Lime Tuff
January, 2019
When looking for a plant that survives the toughest conditions consideration must be given to Lomandra Lime Tuff.

This fantastic versatile, easy care perennial grass bred in Australia, tolerates hot dry positions or part shade. The fine lime green foliage which stays lush all year round, adds texture to the garden making it perfect for mass planting.

As with many of our plants at Growing Spectrum Lomandra Lime Tuff is produced by tissue culture.

Tissue Culture

Tissue Culture is a technique where cells or pieces of tissue are taken from the original mother plant in laboratories, which are then grown under sterile conditions where they form tiny plants identical to the ‘Mother’ plant.

At Growing Spectrum these tiny plants are placed put into production and grown at the Nursery until they are ready sold to Garden centres.


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Hydrangeas
December, 2018
For some time now one of Growing Spectrums old time favourites the Hydrangea, has gained popularity. These easy-care shrubs are sold to garden centres from September onwards when they are dormant, right through as they come into flower during the months of November and December.

With new and advanced breeding, the selection of Hydrangeas now available to gardeners are stunning, ranging from compact free flowering to the taller growing paniculata varieties.

Growing hydrangeas

Hydrangeas grow best in a morning sun position with protection from the hottest part of the day. Improve the soil before planting by adding plenty of compost or organic matter. Keeping the plant well-watered is important while the blooms are forming.

Fertilise

Fertilise Hydrangeas early Spring. To maintain the colour of your Hydrangea, apply Epsom salts for blue flowers and garden lime for pink flowers. Plants will benefit from an application of organic matter during their growing season.

Pruning

Prune during the winter when plants are dormant. Cut back the stems that have produced flowers to the double buds forming. The un-flowered shoots will produce next season's blooms.


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Alstroemerias
November, 2018
The range of Inca Alstroemerias we produce at Growing Spectrum have proven to be one of our most popular perennial plants we send into garden centres during spring. The range of colours are divine, ranging from soft pastels to the bright and vibrant tones of orange and red.

Planted in the garden or in a container the Incas have a medium habit and with minimal care these plants will reward the gardener with flowers for months from spring through to Autumn.

Plant Care:

  • • To stimulate the plant to produce new flower spikes Alstroemerias benefit from pulling off the dead flower stems at the base.
  • • Once plants establish themselves divide them by lifting in the winter months, this will ensure you get a mix of flower producing and vegetative tubers.
  • • Alstroemerias benefit from feeding, apply a slow release fertilizer early spring and autumn. If planted in the garden add an organic mulch early spring.

Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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The Elegance of Topiaries
October 2018
Topiary - The art of clipping shrubs or trees into ornamental shapes.

Whether it’s enhancing the garden with a stunning focal point or giving containers that ‘wow’ factor, topiary plants give a sense of depth, drama and elegance to any garden setting. Topiaries can be planted as single specimens, planted in a row for more formal setting or simply grouped in containers.

Care and maintenance

Trimming your plant
To keep their shape most topiaries will need trimming. Generally, lightly trim to shape in August before their spring growth and once again early autumn. If your topiary plant has flowers trim these off after flowering. Sterilize tools before trimming to stop the spread of plant diseases from one plant to another.

Container grown plants
Apply a slow release fertilizer and a handful of sheep pallets early spring. To maintain good health during the summer months, add a liquid feed every two or three weeks of Phostrogen or seaweed fertilizer.

During dry periods it is important to water regularly, do not allow your plant to dry out. 
If cared for topiary plants can happy remain in the same container for up to two to three years, however check annually that the container plants have not become pot bound. When purchasing a new container ensure it is several centimetres wider than the root ball, and even bigger for larger topiary plants.

Garden grown topiary plants
For newly established garden grown topiary plants extra care must be taken, ensuring regular watering during the summer months and light watering in winter. Fertilize early spring with a slow release fertiliser along with a generous application of organic sheep pallets.


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Dianthus
September 2018
For the last few years the wide range of Dianthus we grow under the ‘Living Fashion’ brand have been a favourite for gardeners.

These ‘Magnifi-Scent’ series of Dianthus are ideal as a smaller perennial at the front of a border or as a low stimulate further flower flushes. Feed with slow release fertilizer in early spring for best performance. Quick to establish, very easy care. Evergreen.

New for Spring 2018 - Dianthus Pinball Wizard

This beautiful new Dianthus produces fragrant, double ruffled flowers speckled pink and white. Perfect for use as a picking flower or a border plant in the garden.


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Magnificent Magnolias
August 2018
One of Growing Spectrums speciality crops are deciduous Magnolias. Over the past four weeks our teams have been busy processing and sending these trees out to Garden Centres.

The magnificent flowers of a deciduous Magnolia tree are one of the most striking to be found in the winter garden. With several different varieties to choose from, the fabulous and often fragrant flowers come in many different forms and colours ranging from white, pink, purple or yellow.

Given the space Magnolias are easy to grow, require very little maintenance and are well worth considering as feature plant in the garden.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Iberis 'Snow Top'
July 2018
The long nights and short days of winter have a habit of feeling endless and it’s during this time we look for any small sign that spring is on its way.

One of the most delightful, early flowering plants we grow, and which gives us a peak at the season ahead is Iberis Snow Top also known as perennial Candytuft. This cold hardy is a little ground cover with evergreen foliage is covers itself with a blanket of large clusters of snow white flowers from early winter to late spring.


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Winter trees and shrubs
June 2018
The constant cycle of Nursery production certainly comes around quickly and once again we find ourselves at Growing Spectrum preparing to process the many varieties of deciduous trees which have been growing at our open ground nursery for the past two or three years.

On those cold and sometimes frosty Waikato mornings our teams at Growing Spectrum will spend the next couple of months, bagging, potting and dispatching these trees into garden centres who will have customers waiting for these beautiful seasonal specimens.


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Daphne Perfume Princessâ„¢
May 2018
Daphne Perfume Princessâ„¢ was released in 2015 and since this time has become one of the most popular crops Growing Spectrum produce, and one that sells out each year.

Production of this crop is done in several stages and recently our experts in the propagation team have been busy taking cuttings from stock plants which will form part of the crop we will send out to Garden Centres in 2019.

Daphne Perfume Princessâ„¢ is not the only Daphne we produce, however the key features listed below have proved it to be an all-time favourite for gardeners.

  • - Masses of large flowers open blush pink and fade to white
  • - Highly perfumed -  with soft citrus undertones
  • - Long flowering season
  • - Intense clusters of blooms that can also bloom down the stems
  • - Bushy growing to 1.2m high x 1m wide with rich glossy green foliage


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Topiary Plants
April 2018
Topiary plants are one of Growing Spectrums speciality crops and one of the most stunning varieties we produce is Liquidambar ‘Gumball’, commonly known as the ‘Lollipop Sweetgum’.

This beautiful topiary plant is grown in the shape of a super-sized lollipop and produces lush lime green growth in spring which deepens to a dark emerald green in summer, then with the onset of autumn the leaves turn brilliant orange-red and wine-purple which hold into winter.

To create this lovely topiary our teams at Growing Spectrum have been preparing the trees for grafting which is a specialised technique that requires careful preparation and precision over two years.

They then take buds from the naturally dwarf growing ‘Gumball’ variety and graft them onto the 2 year old Liquidambar trees at the desired height.

Grafting is where tissues of plants are joined so they continue their growth together. The upper part of the combined plant is called the scion while the lower part is called the rootstock. The success of this joining requires that the two tissues grow together and join, eventually forming a rounded head on a tall stem

After this process is complete the plants are left on the Nursery for a further 12months to grow. During this time, they will be carefully trimmed and shaped into a topiary, ready for supply into garden centres throughout the North Island.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Hedging Plants
March 2018
With Autumn fast approaching now is the perfect time to start planning and planting hedges. Hedging and screening plants will not only give shade and privacy but also add beauty and style to your garden.

Once established both hedging and screening plants, can be trimmed into formal hedges or left to grow as informal screens.

The top selling evergreen hedging and screening plants we grow at Growing Spectrum are Griselinia Broadway Mint, Camellia Sasanqua Setsugekka, Michelia Figo, Buxus Sempervirens, Photonia Red Robin, Feijoas and a stunning range of evergreen Magnolias.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Saliva ‘So Cool’ series
February 2018
With the tropical weather we are currently experiencing, some plants we grow stand out as real winners proving to be tough, versatile and standing up to the hottest of conditions. The Salvia ‘So Cool’ series are some of these.

Bred in Australia to handle hot dry conditions these Saliva’s come in a range of ‘cool’ colours and are certainly very appealing massed planted in the garden.

Growing Spectrums Saliva’s are looking stunning at the Nursery and are well worth considering as a plant to use for long lasting colour during the summer months.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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A Busy Time of the Year
January 2018
At Growing Spectrum preparation is well underway for that busy time of the year, Autumn.

Our production teams have been busy potting new crops, and preparing space on the Nursery for the many thousands of plants we produce. January and February are very busy months for our propagators who are preparing cuttings and planting tissue culture which will be our plants ready for sale 2018 and 2019.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Inca Alstroemerias
December 1 2017
Commonly known as Peruvian Lilies our range of beautiful Alstroemerias at the Nursery are looking absolutely stunning and are proving to be a favourite for gardeners to plant at this time of the year.

The range of Inca Alstroemerias we grow at Growing Spectrum are bred and selected by one of the world’s largest breeders in Holland. These fabulous perennials have a long lasting flowering period perfect for planting in the garden or in pots, and if used as a cut flower they will last for weeks in the vase.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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The 'Tractor Seat' Plant (Ligularia reniformis)
November 1 2017
Growing Spectrum has been growing this outstanding large leafed, structural plant for the last couple of years. A distinctive clumping plant Ligularia reniformis produces glossy leaves which truly look like a tractor seat, a fantastic accent plant for woodland or shady areas of the garden.

Our plants on the nursery look fabulous again this year and will be sent out to garden centres in the North Island this month.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Argyranthemum Daisies
October 1 2017
Our popular selection of pretty daisies are now being sent into Garden Centres for spring. This new breeding of daisies are quick and very easy to grow, are great for filling in gaps in well-established gardens or planted with perennials, roses and annuals.

Plant them into virtually in any well drained soil in a sunny spot and they will flower for months. A little light pruning of the flower heads when finished encourages the plants to re-flower and become stronger growing.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Gardeners love affair with Hydrangeas
September 1 2017
Over the last few years, these beautiful flowering shrubs have become a favourite with gardeners. Given the right position hydrangeas are easy to grow.

To maintain the colour it is as simple as applying the correct fertiliser, for pink hydrangeas add dolomite lime, blue hydrangeas aluminium sulphate, white require neutral soil. Although hardy and easy to grow they do require pruning by about a third late autumn through to midwinter, with most varieties rewarding gardeners with a display of beautiful flowers in early November.

One of Growing Spectrums speciality crops are our lovely range of hydrangeas which are now ready to send out to garden centres for their spring sales.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Spring is the time of plans and projects
August 1 2017
With the long-awaited signs of spring slowly appearing at the Nursery we are all gearing up for the busy period ahead.

The early flowering evergreen Magnolia is truly beautiful with its lush green leaves and large scented white flowers, and there is nothing more delightful than seeing the odd clumps of daffodils starting to burst into flower.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Deciduous Trees for 2017
July 1 2017
A busy couple of months ahead for Growing Spectrum as we begin to process hundreds of new seasons deciduous trees. To ensure these trees are ready on time for Garden Centres to sell to their customers the processing of trees will be our full focus for the next six weeks.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Lavender Ghostly Princess
June 1 2017
Early frosts and signs of an early winter are certainly evident at Growing Spectrum. The Lavender Ghostly Princess crop, a new release for spring looks stunning covered with frost. Ghostly indeed!

Our gallery photos show a peak of what Lavender Ghostly Princess will look like in flower this spring.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Deciduous Trees and Shrubs
May 1 2017
May is a busy time at our large nursery in Pirongia which produces Growing Spectrums extensive range of field grown deciduous trees and shrubs.

Work is well underway with the first process of lifting trees and shrubs from the field in preparation for our production nursery to start bagging and dispatching these plants to Garden Centres for retail sales.

The first stage in processing field grown plants is to undercut the roots while they are still in the field. This involves cutting the taproot and any deep roots with a large blade which results in the plant forming a fibrous root system which then makes it easier for the plant to establish itself when replanted into the home garden.

Our May photo gallery shows recent photos of plants which have been undercut and are resting in the field ready for processing which will take place in May and June.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Buxus Sempervirens
April 1 2017
With the change of the season slowly creeping in, it brings with it fresh new crops on the nursery ready to send to garden centres for autumn sales. Currently our staff on the nursery have been busy processing the first of our open ground grown Buxus plants for 2017.

Buxus are a favourite plant with gardeners for use in the garden as a topiary specimen or as a hedge. They are one of Growing Spectrum's crops which have a long production cycle. From the initial stage of taking cuttings to the finished product ready for sale it takes four years, a special plant indeed.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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Producing Our Plants From Tissue Culture
March 1 2017
With autumn rapidly approaching we are well underway with production of not only our spring plants for 2017 but planning our 2018 crop production.

At Growing Spectrum our Propagation Team have been working hard to process the thousands of minute plants that come to us as tissue culture plants at this time of year.

Tissue Culture is a technique where cells or pieces of tissue are taken from the original mother plant in laboratories, which are then grown under sterile conditions where they form tiny plants identical to the ‘mother’ plant.

When these plants are ready they are sent to growers who carefully process them through various stages of production until they are ready for sale. This process that can take up two years to produce beautiful plants ready for us to supply into garden centres and then into your garden!


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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New Year New Look!
February 1 2017
Growing Spectrums sales vans have had a fabulous new make-over featuring many of the plants we grow. Our vans have certainly been noticed and admired by other road users and what a pleasant view if stuck on the motorways.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum

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The Princess Lavender
January 1 2017
The production of plants never stops at Growing Spectrum and for the next few months, we are potting thousands of plants in preparation for next spring.

Our popular Lavenders, a favourite with gardeners during spring are well underway.


Grant and the Team at Growing Spectrum