Description: (Sunset Zone 4-24, USDA Zone 8-10). This New Zealand native has contorted dark, almost black, branches with very small leaves that are dark green above and white below. It also has small fragrant yellow flowers. Very cute and fun to grow.
Basic Care: Grows best in full sun to light shade. Never allow root ball to dry out completely. Protect tree from winter freezes. Pruning is done in any season. Directional prune, pinch, and wire to train. It almost styles itself due to the contorted nature of the branches.
Feeding: Fertilize just before and during growing season until autumn. Many brands of fertilizer are available and it is beneficial to use a variety of these. Follow all package instructions.
Repotting: Repotting is best done in early spring and usually after two to three years of being in the same pot. Correct root pruning is very important and cannot be addressed in a line or two. Please refer to your favorite bonsai book or local bonsai experts.
