"The Forbidden Bonsai"

[milehigh_7]

So I was over at Ausbonsai (I go there often because they have a have a similar climate to mine) and saw a thread about The Forbidden Bonsai or Leptospermum (New Zealand Tea). So on one of my many bargain hunts I found a Leptospermum scoparium 'Ruby Glow' half dead for next to free and decided to give it a go.

Well it's not much to look at but it is living and pushing new leaves. I did not dare mess the the roots any more than I did because they say if you look at them wrong they die. We will see how long it lives. So here it is in all it's glory:

 

[sorce]

I like it....but then again.....I like anything forbidden!

Good job keeping it tickin!

I think I've seen one other desert dweller on any forum.....good idea to follow Ausbonsai, and who don't love an Aussie?

Sorce

 

[Bunjeh]

Jealous

Where did you find that? I have been looking and have found a source for seeds but not plants. This would fit in great with the herbs I am trying to train.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Sweet little find...glad it's pushing new growth and doing well under your care. Please update us with this one. I would love to hear more about it.

 

[Vin]

Very cool! The trunk and bark remind me of Texas Sage. I have a couple (Texas Sage) I've been trying to grow as bonsai but they continue to be a PITA. They will have to give up before I do. Keep us posted on their progress.

 

[timetravel_0]

I've seen plenty of these in Southern California nurseries (standard nurseries). They always seem a little expensive, for the plant you get.

Just a quick question... why is it "Forbidden"?

 

[milehigh_7]

Well that's not a name I made up, I guess they are darn near impossible due to very touchy roots. Add to that they don't ever want to be dry but will rot if kept too wet. I have never tried one and like I said it was almost free.


The plusses are, rough bark and gnarly trunk pretty young. They have tiny leaves and amazing flowers. This one will have bright red double blooms.