another problem

[Morinja]

Hello again I have yet again a problem, my Alice Dupont plant has many flower buds but they start to unfold then drop off before they open.I have looked on the site for them but cannot find an answer can any one help please******* :(*:(

[Newt]

Hi there!* A couple of things that come to mind would be overfertilizing with too much nitrogen, overwatering or possibly it's rootbound.* Any of that sound possible?

Newt

[Morinja]

Hi Newt* many thanks again I think it may be the pot as it has been in this one for about a year and a half* I don't think I have over watered it but I read on the site you gave me about a little gadget for testing for water in the centre of plants so I shall get one next time I go to the garden centre my next project will be a small olive tree in a pot !!********* Morinja*************** :)

[Newt]

Sounds like it might need a new pot.* If you have pruned the top you could prune the roots and keep it in the same pot.* Don't overfertilize your Mandevilla 'Alice Dupont'.* That could cause the bud drop.* This first site is from Florida in the US but might be helpful.* The second is from California.* Be sure the pot isn't heating up too much from midday sun.
http://www.floridata.com/ref/M/mandev.cfm
http://www.californiagardens.com/Pla...illa_alice.htm

Here's a handy site about growing olives in pots.
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0701/olives.asp

Newt