Entry #17
Pearl Bluebush (Maireana sedifolia)
USA
55.8cm (22")
Before
When I first heard about this contest I thought “why not” I like growing plants, but never (until now) explored the world of bonsai, (nothing like quickly trying to learn)! I went to a few different nurseries (looking for stock) and first saw this plant and thought it had some potential due to its small leaves and gnarly trunk…but, I by-passed it and bought the miniature olive. After pruning the olive and realizing how much fun and challenging it is, I went back and bought this tree for my second attempt at a bonsai. This plant is originally from Australia and is heat and drought tolerant (which is important to me because I live in a very hot and dry area). It is considered hardy and can live up to 300 years. The tag described it as looking like a mini, snow covered fir (I’m hoping I can make it look something like a fir tree instead of this wild bush). This nursery stock is so dense that I’m not sure of my final form until I get into it and see the beauty hidden within. It’s 22″ x 12″ in a 5 gallon container.