AusBonsai

Trauling the forums I came accross a question our Pup put to Harry Harrington.

Pup

G,day Harry have you, or are you considering working on Australian native species.

Harry -

I wouldn’t Pup. Unless I came across a species that was found to be naturally strong and vigorous in my climate.

Finding thier climate in North West England was not easy I just kept getting climate change information but my guess is it ios cold and wet.

I would suggest our Tasmanian Beech varieties.
Any other suggestions?

Oh here we go.
From Harry

I’m in zone 9, max summer temperatures around 30C, minimum winter temperatures –8C.

blackwood should work well too. even our alpine euc's, not sure of names.

I would have thought any of our Tasmanian Trees would suit his climate.
Nothofagus gunnii
Huon Pine

As Brett mentioned, Maybe Alpine Eucalypt varieties.
Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora)

Plenty of varieties would suit ( We are not all desert!), but as to the availabilty in the UK??

Ken

Check with Crown Princess Mary to see how her wedding present of three Aussie natives are growing in the snow and chill of Denmark.... then you get a good idea.

Ask at http://www.islandbonsai.com.au . Will Fletcher has been growing Tassie natives and bonsaiing same for ages. He could advise species that can take the cold of Tassie. His nursery is on the northern flank of Mt Wellington - cold enough for any sensible person. Keep in mind... he deals with Tassie natives... but you never know - they could have been exported to the northern hemisphere.

How about Podocarpus alpinus, the Alpine Poducarpus, a Tassie Native that shouldn't have an issue with the cold. Looks a bit like a Yew. I have a few of them and will post pics when I get a spare minute.

MM