Identification and Suitability for Bonsai

[Zaelthus]

Hello, about 3 years ago I wrapped this random shrubs's roots onto a small round rock and planted it into the ground. I just replanted it into a raised bed this past weekend and thought the roots turned out interesting. I have no idea about the species and it's suitability for bonsai. I just know it back buds like crazy and seems like a robust little plant.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Appears to be an ilex of some sort.

 

[edprocoat]

Those two white flowers hanging in the first picture look like an azalea too me.

ed

 

[Zaelthus]

I think it's Osmanthus Delavayi, amazing where Google can lead to:

http://www.esveld.nl/htmldiaen/o/osdela.php

 

[edprocoat]

Zaelthus, thats neat to find a plant like that in Canada! I looked at the site you linked and it sure looked like the flowers and the leaves too. It said its common name was Osmanthus, and I searched that name and it says its a Olive, called a Sweet Olive or Fragrant Olive that is native to Asia! It seems like good material, most Olives make great Bonsai, this was outside when you collected it?

ed

 

[Zaelthus]

Ed, I can't for the life of me remember where I found this plant! I believe I bought it from a nursery 4 or 5 years ago and planted in on a rock in my front yard. After reading that it was native to Asia I was pretty surprised that it has survived outside all these years through ice and snow with no special care. I think I will let it sit the year in the grow box and then next winter or early next spring I'll chop it way back.

Zaelthus, thats neat to find a plant like that in Canada! I looked at the site you linked and it sure looked like the flowers and the leaves too. It said its common name was Osmanthus, and I searched that name and it says its a Olive, called a Sweet Olive or Fragrant Olive that is native to Asia! It seems like good material, most Olives make great Bonsai, this was outside when you collected it?

ed

 

[Bill S]

I was going to say Holly of some sort, but that link sure does look like it, it says hardy, and photos of them are from the Netherlands.

It's probably at least somewhat different than the ones from the Med area, and may not reduce much, but probably worth a try.