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Phosphorus-Sensitive Plants

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Why phosphorus is an issue for some Australian plants

As a general rule, Australian soils are very low in phosphorus.

As a result, many Australian plants evolved to take up as much phosphorus from the soil as possible.

If these plants are fertilised with the standard fertiliser used for most exotic plants, they will take up too much phosphorus, overdose and possibly die.

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Osmocote® PLUS Native Gardens

Are your plants phosphorus-sensitive?

Use Osmocote® Plus Native Gardens on plants that are very phosphorus-sensitive.

Not all Australian natives are phosphorus-sensitive

Not all Australian plants are sensitive to phosphorus. For example, Australian natives such as bottlebrushes, lillypillies, melaleucas and most gums respond well to plant food containing phosphorus.

Use low phosphorus formulations for phosphorus-sensitive plants

If in doubt, always used a Scotts® low phosphorus formulation for your native plants.

Osmocote® PLUS for Native Gardens, with an NPK of 17:1.6:8.7 has been specially formulated for Aussie plants. Its low phosphorus level of 1.6% provides enough phosphorus to sustain healthy growth but not enough to cause harm.

Australian plants that are particularly phosphorus-sensitive

Popular Australian plants that are particularly sensitive to phosphorus include

  • Grevillea spp.
  • Banksia spp.
  • Hakea spp.
  • Telopea (Waratah)
  • Hardenbergia spp.
  • Acacia boormanii
  • Alyogyne spp.
  • Phebalium spp.

Warning!Be aware.

South African plants like proteas, leucospermums and leucadendrons, are not native to Australia but are also sensitive to phosphorus and also perform best in a low phosphorus soil.