Brush Cherry (Syzygium paniculatum) Starter
Brush Cherry is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree known for its tiny glossy leaves, tight branching, and occasional white flowers and red berry-like fruit. Its naturally dense growth habit and small leaf size make it a solid candidate for bonsai—especially in shohin or medium styles where scale and detail are key.
As a Bonsai:
Syzygium paniculatum responds well to pruning and can develop tight internodes and fine ramification with regular work. Its smooth bark, compact leaf structure, and year-round greenery give it a refined look even in early stages. It's a great option for those who want a tropical tree with a formal appearance and potential for flowering and fruiting under ideal conditions.
📢 This is a tropical species—it thrives outdoors during the warm months and should be brought indoors when night temperatures fall below ~50°F. For best results, grow it outside in full sun spring through early fall.
Plant Features:
Hardiness Zone: 10–11 (tropical; protect from frost)
Growth Habit: Upright and densely branched
Mature Size: 10–20 ft in landscapes; well-suited for small to medium bonsai
Foliage: Small, glossy green leaves; reduces well with pruning
Flowers: Occasional white blooms; may produce red fruit in warm climates
Bark: Smooth gray-brown, may develop texture with age
Sun Requirements: Full sun to bright indirect light
Soil Type: Well-draining bonsai mix
Water Needs: Moderate; prefers even moisture
Special Features: Compact foliage, tropical evergreen, potential for flowers and fruit
Brush Cherry Starter
As part of their training for future bonsai, our starters and stock trees are periodically pruned or trunk-chopped to encourage strong structure and desirable growth. If you’re purchasing for landscape use and prefer trees that have not been recently pruned or chopped, feel free to contact us before ordering to check the current status of the species you’re interested in!
This is a Tropical Species and Requires a heat pack for shipping during winter months (~November through March). Even if your local weather is mild, all trees ship out of Missouri and may also pass through cold regions during transit.
We don't profit from these heat packs, they're simply to make sure your trees arrive safely! And, if you add one to your order during a warm spell and its unnecessary, don't worry, we'll automatically refund you for the heat pack. Better safe than sorry!