[lackhand] {Dead} Leptospermum scoparium 'Ruby Glow'

[lackhand]

Knowing fully the difficulty I face in even thinking about making bonsai out of this species, I am entering two as I just can't help myself. They are so damn beautiful, and these two were affordable too. Given the finicky roots, these will probably be in a large pot at the end of the competition too. I'm guessing it will take years to get them into a suitable bonsai pot, but in my opinion, it's worth it.

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• Species name: Leptospermum scoparium 'Ruby Glow'
• Original height of stock: 45 cm
• Where you obtained it from: Lowe's (big box home improvement store)
• Cost of stock: $11.67 USD

As an added bonus, I found six seed pods on this tree and I was planting some other seeds today anyway, so in they go. Hopefully they'll grow.

[lackhand]

It was this tree's turn today. This tree looked to be the better of my two tea trees, with somewhat of a natural broom style going on, and I figured it would be easy. It wasn't. The branches were mostly in okay positions, but as with most nursery trees, there just isn't enough growth lower down. I made the best of it, and I think it turned out okay. These don't back bud, so I may have to do some creative bending later if I don't get good growth in a few spots.

The one lower branch will probably go, but I figured it's not hurting anything for now and it may prove kind of interesting. I know it's a no go for traditional broom style, but I've never been one for tradition.

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[lackhand]

It's dead. I've done a bit more research, and I really don't think these are a good fit for my climate. I have a few I'll keep working at, but one is already looking sad so we'll see. And I didn't even touch the roots!