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Gaultheria mucronata plant

RubyLeafRubyLeaf Posts: 260

Long story short, I want planning on self polinating the plant myself with a brush. The male plant is at a relatives, and I was going to use the brush to put some pollen in a sealable plastic bag.

Shows what I know. The flowers are tinier than I expected! Is there a way to pollinate the female plant without having the male one right beside it? I really want to avoid having it beside it as I planned to have just berry shrubs in a section. I only got the plant for the berries.

Posts

  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568

    I'm out of my comfort zone with your question as I've never tried to do what you would like to with this species. I suspect not a great many people have, so this is no more than a suggestion. Shove a cotton bud inside the male flower to collect the pollen. It's worked for me with other small flowers. You may have to destroy the flower, however. Good luck!

    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • BalBal Posts: 93
    RubyLeaf wrote (see)

    Long story short, I want planning on self polinating the plant myself with a brush. The male plant is at a relatives, and I was going to use the brush to put some pollen in a sealable plastic bag.

     

    Hi RubyLeaf can you tell me where you got the male flower from. I have been looking for one for ages. Thanks

     

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,109

    Just saw this - Bal  I go to a nursery up here which sells them and they do mail order but it may be a bit expensive. If you google 'male Pernettya/Gaultheria' you might find suppliers in your area. image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • RubyLeafRubyLeaf Posts: 260

    I'm sure one garden centre would have the male one Bal. Usuaully they sell both genders.

    As for me I may have to just cave in and put the male next to the female plant.. Flowers too small and numerous. image

  • SupernoodleSupernoodle Posts: 954

    Don't know anything about them, so perhaps not possible but how about putting the male in a pot elsewhere and moving it close just for "mating season" ?

  • RubyLeafRubyLeaf Posts: 260
    Supernoodle wrote (see)

    Don't know anything about them, so perhaps not possible but how about putting the male in a pot elsewhere and moving it close just for "mating season" ?

    Well... the thing is the male grows 2ft high and 4ft wide just like the female. Unless its a good idea to keep it trimmed? Though I'm not sure if the roots will keep growing and become pot bound. =/

  • BalBal Posts: 93

    Thank you for that will try itimage

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