AVERAGE SIZE (H) x (W): 5m x 2m
FLOWERING TIME: J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME: J F M A M J J A S O N D
GARDEN THEMES:
Bushveld, country, grassland, rockery, woodland
LANDSCAPING USES:
Suitable for medium to large gardens, or for a rockery. Avoid planting too close to paving, ponds and swimming pools as the roots are agressive and could damage foundations.
Hi Tom
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Cussonia paniculata has an aggressive root sytem. When removing, it’s best to let the soil rest undisturbed for a season before planting something new or replenish the soil with topsoil enriched with compost.
Perhaps also try to grow something indigenous and hardy in the interim such as Melinis repens (Natal redtop).
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi there. We have recently had to remove two cussonia paniculata as the roots were destroying our paving area. We obviously couldn’t get all the roots out [some were over 200mm thick] and it seems that all the plants we have subsequently planted over the old roots, are dying. It is likely that the old roots are leaching or something that is killing the new plantings of Kangaroo Paws?
Hi Michael
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
It could be that your tree was hit by frost. You could cut back the dying parts and your tree should resprout new shoots.
Flourish!
Glenice
My tree has produced seeds and overtime these seed have turned brown and the tree seems to be dying. At the head of the tree where the seeds are it has become soft should I be cutting back the seeds/top of tree?
Hi Anandi
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Cussonia paniculata are susceptible to frost.
You could try cutting back the dead plant matter and the plant may regenerate new growth this summer.
Flourish!
Glenice
We stay in Lydenburg and had verry bad frost this year. It appears that our kiepersol is dying. Will priluning the dead stem assist in reviving the tree?
Hi Nicolene
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Your tree seems to be young enough to transplant and it would be best to do so in winter. Take care to remove as much of the root ball as possible and ensure that the new location is at least 5m from any structure as the roots can be quite aggressive.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi there,
I want to please find out whether my tree can be replanted in a new garden?
It is about 3 – 4 years old. It has 2 very thin, smooth, tall trunks with leaves only at the top.
About 2 metres high I’d guess.
Hi Denise
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Your tree may have formed only two stems due to competition for light with other trees in your garden. While Cussonia species can grow back if the branches are cut back, be careful as you may lose the structure and possibly the tree if it cannot withstand the stress of the loss. It may be worthwhile consulting an arborist to advise you on site as there could be other factors to consider before chopping the branches.
Flourish!
Glenice
Can I cut my Cussonia back to make it bush out – at the moment it consists of two tall trunks with leaves just at the top. I live on the coast and my garden has to cope with strong winds.
Hi Chris
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Transplanting a large Cussonia paniculata is not an easy task. It will involve the use of heavy lifting equipment e.g. mechanised diggers, cranes to lift the tree and trucks to transport it. It’s certainly not a DIY task and I’d recommend you contact a tree specialist for assistance.
Flourish!
Glenice
Can you transplant a large cussonia and how do you do it?
Thanks
Hi Yo
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
If your tree has flowered previously, then some growing condition has changed which is stressing the tree.
Some points to investigate further:
– Check your watering routine – avoid over-watering.
– Check the general health of the tree – the leaves should be healthy with new growth.
– Check the health of surrounding plants
– Determine whether your plant receiving enough sunlight
Flourish!
Glenice
My 7 year old cabbage tree has not yet flowered. Please advise.
Hi Linda
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Without knowing more about your plant – i.e. where it is planted and the age of it, I’m going to give some very general suggestions.
I’ve noticed that a few newly-planted Cussonia paniculata in Johannesburg gardens have died this summer. I don’t know exactly what is causing this, but suspect that they do not like being “pampered”. Many indigenous plants require minimal care, which means:
– Do no interfere with the soil around the roots;
– Avoid over-watering;
– Allow the plant a dry season – i.e. do not water in winter in summer rainfall areas.
– Avoid applying fertilisers and pesticides
Flourish!
Glenice
Is there anybody out their that can give me advise on our cussonia paniculata. It seems to be dying.
I found some information useful regarding my own cabbage tree on your website.