Melaleuca linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1

[Rory]

Melaleuca linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1

These guys are really hardy. They tolerate wet conditions and myrtle rust. They're basically the commandos of the Melaleuca world.
They have very small foliage, and you can reduce a massive amount of the root system.

For better recovery after a root prune, I highly recommend leaving most of the foliage on the tree.
However, this is all in proportion: If you remove a significant amount like 80% of the roots (like the first root reduction from nursery stock, then I would normally reduce about 40% of the foliage mass.
But with regular annual root prunes, I wouldn't reduce the foliage at all.

This tree was purchased from the Big Flower, at Ourimbah on the Central Coast for $9.95 in an 8inch tub.

M. linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1-01 20Feb2020.jpg

20Feb2020

M. linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1-02 15Jan2021.jpg

15Jan2021

M. linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1-03 10Jan2022.jpg

10Jan2022


I realize its not quite yet 01.01.2023, but its easier to post that its 2023, so looking back people can easily distinguish that its a year apart. Its only 1 day before the actual date.

M. linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1-04 01Jan2023.jpg

01Jan2023

[Mickeyjaytee]

Awesome little tree Rory. I’m keen to follow this along and see how it develops. Thanks for the information, it’s great that you guys share especially for beginners like me I haven’t heard of purpurea compacta and will keep a look out for one! It looks great so far!

[Stevie_B]

Thanks Rory,
In regards to the root trim aspect, do you think there is any merit using sphagnum moss on natives? I know Peter Chan raves about it for his trees, and I wonder how it would go for our delicate roots?
Thanks

[Rory]

Thanks Rory,
In regards to the root trim aspect, do you think there is any merit using sphagnum moss on natives? I know Peter Chan raves about it for his trees, and I wonder how it would go for our delicate roots?
Thanks

I’ve not used it. Losing moisture isn’t something I have a problem with. Perhaps I could see the benefit on material that doesn’t shoot roots from close to the trunk, but most natives I’ve grown will send out roots in a mix of a standard growing medium, mixed with River sand. The river sand is heavy and holds the tree in place VERY well after a repot. Also, the river sand provides exceptional drainage, and combined with a mix of any standard bonsai medium, it then doesn’t have the mix staying too wet too long. For example with Casuarinas and Melaluecas, I know I can pot into this type of a mix and it will shoot roots regardless of the centre root ball drying out a little bit before the edges of the pot. So personally I don’t see a benefit of sphagnum moss. But I also don’t collect material from the wild… sphagnum moss be a benefit for that.

On the flip side… if I used sphagnum moss on a Banksia, I’d be very worried about root-rot. It’s all subjective to your type of mix and micro climate that you keep them in.

[Rory]

M. linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1-05 03Nov2023.jpg.jpg

03Nov2023

Placed into an Esther Griffiths (Walsall) bonsai pot (United Kingdom). Esther makes beautiful pots.

It was recently repotted, which is why it looks a bit raggedy, as the new foliage will soon regain its vigor and look better soon.