KUNZEA baxteri Bonsai

Ideal bonsai subject.
An attractive rounded shrub with an erect stem with a lightly textured crown that produces dense red bottlebrush-like flowers that occur in winter and spring. Leaves are narrow and around 2cm long.
Good bird attracting plant for the winter garden.

This hardy shrub grows well in most areas providing the soil is well-drained.
Prefers a light to medium well-drained dry rocky soil in an open sunny position, drought-resistant but frost tender.

Occurs naturally in the regions of the Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest, Mallee and the Swan Coastal Plains of Western Australia.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoiding the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C

1. Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed raising mix. The seed will lodge in the pores of the mix once watered.
2. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed if required to hold the seed in place. Do not bury seed deeply.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
5. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 14-28 days in the right condition.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.