Bottle brush help

Mrtibbs06

Hiya can anyone help..
This is my step dads bootle brush who is sadly no longer with us so I really dont want it to die..
He passed away in January 2016 so I dug it up and replanted it in my garden but for the last 2 years it looks like its dying ..
It does flower though once a year but they dont last long..
Does anyone know what the problem is?
Any tips would be much appreciated xx

pansyface

You’ve been growing it outside since then? It’shad the same type of “mulch” since then?

Here is some growing advice from Burncoose nurseries.


I’d say that
It’s been too cold during the winter.
Too dry with all that gravel keeping the rain off it.
Not fed.
Possibly living in an environment that is too alkaline (you’d have to test that white gravel to be sure).

If it were mine, I’d put it into an enormous pot filled with John Innes Number three, keep it well fed and watered, keep it warm in winter and say you’re sorry. 🙂

Lyn

Absolutely agree with everything Fairygirl has said, in a big pot, proper compost, while it's sill got some life in it. my daughter's got a beauty, she’s in a very warm area of Cornwall with acid soil, it’s up against her wall, very sheltered. 
They're not really meant for U.K., my cousin grows them in Australia. Very hot there. 

Mrtibbs06

Thank you so much guys..
My step dad had it in his garden and it was fine so I just assumed i would do the same 🙈 
I really dont want it to die 😭
Its lasted 4 years in my garden so must be a fighter lol..
I'll pot it up and hope it perks up..
What feed do you recommend? x

pansyface

Any of the usual feeds that you dissolve in water. Miraclegrow type stuff.

But the John Innes Number three will have enough food in it for many months. Don’t overfeed it. Remember they grow in the Aussie outback. 🙂

Mrtibbs06

Thank you so much x