BOTANICAL CARD OF BONSAI

PHILLYREA ANGUSTIFOLIA

Common Name: ILATRO - Family: OLEACEAE

ORIGIN:

It is a shrub native to the Mediterranean scrub, belonging to the same family as the olive trees, and unlike the latter, it lives up to 600 meters above sea level. in height. The leaves are simple, opposite and evergreen and it has small white flowers gathered in short axillary clusters.

PRUNING:

The first interventions on the roots must be carried out simultaneously with repotting and selective reduction of the crown. If the pruning of the root system is rather drastic, it will be better to resort to a complete defoliation to favor the rooting. Reduce new shoots to the first 2-4 leaves during the growing season.

REPOT:

Every 2 years the youngest specimens, every 3 the older ones, using soil at 60%, peat 10% and coarse sand or equivalent material in the proportion of 30%.

WATERING:

This plant grows in areas with a dry climate, but also likes abundant watering; it is advisable to water it abundantly, letting the soil dry out between one watering and the next.

FERTILIZATION:

Every 20-30 days from spring to autumn. Do not fertilize before 3 months after repotting.

EXPOSURE:

Heliophilous plant (sun lover), it must be protected during the winter in cases of temperatures close to 0, and exposed to full sun during spring-summer. It can also be kept indoors in a very bright place, vaporize the hair daily.

BINDINGS:

Make the bindings from spring to autumn, protecting the bark.