help-info for Blue Berry Ash

22 years ago

Hi everyone, Has anybody had any gardening experiences with the "Prima Donna" Blue Berry Ash tree? I've bought a lovely small tree and the label only has basic info regarding size (to 6mtrs.), grows in full sun and semi-shade, use as windbreak or screening. My questions are- Are they very hardy? Would they tolerate our humidity in Qld? Are the root systems invasive? What's the growth rate like? All other info would be greatly appreciated.Hope someone can help so I know the best position for planting. Thanks Heaps,Brenda.

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sterculias

21 years ago

I planted 10 "Prima Donna" about 6 years ago as a screen. The grow to about 6 metres and spread about 3 metres. They tend to be bushy to the ground and the tree shape is conical. They can be slow to establish for the first year or so but when they start to grow they can be reasonably quick. They like mulch and a regular watering and of cause a good feed. I have had some snap off at the base in high winds (80K plus) but generally they are OK.

Curiously mine have never flowered but their big brother the Blue Quandong flower in their second year.

Doug.

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Comments (10)

Amelie
22 years ago
Brenda, they are one of the trees the council gives away (you know, pay the rates, get two free trees).
I've got two, but they are small and I don't know much about them - there is a pink and white flowering one.
The small free plug I got seems to be doing quite well (seems slow growing so far and I'm hoping for great things in the growing season) - it gets sun from midday onwards - it's beside a fence so is protected. The other has had a hard life and been moved, and hasn't grown much - it's in semi shade.
I'll be interested to read the info you get from others re this tree.
dreamsarefree
Original Author
22 years ago
Thanks, Amelie. I didn't know it's one of the trees the council gives away. I'm pretty slack with getting my free trees, lived in the same house for over 6 yrs. and never took advantage of the council give away. I hope we get some responses to help us with info on this tree.
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Jane_23
22 years ago
I believe they prefer a coastal situation and get to about 3M. Jane
rootball
22 years ago
blueberry ash love moisture, can tolerate full sun and have pretty constant but slow growth. i have seen larger specimens around sydney (they are native to this region and qld as well) which are quite ornamental when in flower or covered in berries, sometimes both. they have an interesting irregular outline, and can be hedged or pruned.
ipgf
21 years ago
Brenda, I don't know what side of Brisbane you are on but if you feel like a field trip, I believe there is a lovely specimen growing in the carpark of the Yeronga railway station. My guess is that it would be about 5 metres tall and has a dense canopy. I don't know if it is a 'prima donna'.

Ian
Amelie
21 years ago
My 20cm baby one has just flowered.
I'll be looking out for the one at Yeronga railway station next time I catch the train!
Doona
21 years ago
Mine has heaps of flowers and berries all over it. I never do anything for it and it only gets watered when it rains. It is sheltered from harsh elements though. I don't know what they'd be like up there in your region, but I have never seen one that I would call a good screening specimen. They don't seem to grow thickly here, but they do grow well, and they look pretty too. Mine serves no real purpose. I just liked it and planted it behind our place. It adds interest. As for its roots, I haven't seen any lifting the ground, or showing anywhere. I'd say they aren't invasive, but I haven't researched it either. Sorry if I'm no help at all.
Donna.
dreamsarefree
Original Author
21 years ago
Hi everyone, I've been really busy lately and haven't been to the forum for a while, so I was delighted to find info so kindly posted about my blueberry ash. Thanks to all who replied as the info has greatly helped. Hope your new year is all that you hope for. Brenda.
longline1
11 years ago
Hi all, on Blue Berry ash, I have a mature tree in the backyard that recently was collateral damage from a fallen eucalyptus, it lost all it's crown but the trunk is still there, does anyone know if it will grow back? Ihavedonesome research and get mixed info

help-info for Blue Berry Ash

sterculias

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Amelie

dreamsarefree
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Jane_23

rootball

ipgf

Amelie

Doona

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help-info for Blue Berry Ash

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dreamsarefreeOriginal Author

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