Philippine-tea blooms out of its season.

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Lily_love Central, AL(Zone 7b) Jan 02, 2008

I've a specimen bonsai Philippine-Tea, according to the Bonsai's expert's guide; the tree is said to flower from early spring to summer, and can produce tiny fruits. It's in a small pot (bonsai pot) thus it's difficult to force it to bloom. (In fear that it would dry out). But it has been two years in a row, this plant only begun to bloom in late Dec. for me. Thus I missed out on the fruits. Any help to bring this plant to bloom earlier so that garden's pollinators can help to pollinate my tree while the weather is still warm? Your input would be greatly appreicated.
Kim

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jan 02, 2008

I think it's probably blooming too early rather than too late. I don't know much about this plant, but if it's supposed to bloom in spring, it could be that when you bring it into your warm house for the winter, maybe it thinks it's spring and decides to bloom early.

Another possibility would be that the plant is misidentified--are you confident it's the plant you think it is? Again I don't know this one very well so I can't tell from the pic whether it is or isn't, but when something consistently blooms at a different time from when it's supposed to, that's always a suspicion.

Lastly, you could always try hand pollinating the flowers if it insists on blooming in December, that way maybe you'll get your fruits.

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MitchF Lindsay, OK(Zone 7a) Jan 02, 2008

right a paint brush just might be the thing you need to try

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Lily_love Central, AL(Zone 7b) Jan 02, 2008

I'll try to post a pic. for plant i.d. to be sure. The pic. and the book of Bonsai describes the exact tree as per my observation. One thing about hand pollination; the flowers are extra small. I'll needs extra small brush magnifying glass I think to find the pollen and visible stigma.

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jan 02, 2008

You might try posting in the Bonsai forum too for advice on how to get berries from it--I bet you there are a few people over there who are growing this one.

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Lily_love Central, AL(Zone 7b) Jan 02, 2008

Thanks ecrane3, I did, and no responses so far. :(

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