LIQUIDAMBAR formosana Bonsai

Makes an ideal bonsai subject.

Tall fast-growing conical deciduous tree with beautiful autumn colour of red, orange and purple, leaves may persist into winter before falling. Young growth is burgundy in colour.
Produces a fragrant sap used in Chinese medicine as an antiseptic and in perfumery. Makes a beautiful lawn specimen in the garden.

Similar in appearance to the more common North American cousin but with tri-lobed leaves.

Native to China.

Adaptable to most soils and positions, drought and frost resistant.

Grow notes:

Cold stratification of 30 days is recommended for this species. This can be replicated by cold stratification in the refrigerator or alternatively over-wintering in the garden in cold climates will assist in germination.

Cold treatment is not critical for germination to occur but should give increased germination rates.

Seeds are best sown in spring. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 16-22°C

1. Soak seed overnight in tepid water.
2. Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed raising mix.
3. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed. Do not bury the seed deeply.
4. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
5. Ensure the mix is moist but not waterlogged.
6. Place the container in a plastic bag.
7. Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 30 days.
8. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
9. Keep warm & moist, and avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
10. Germination generally occurs in 14-28 days when moved to warmer temperatures after the period of cold treatment.

General note: Seeds of many plants 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.