I ordered the "deluxe" version of Brussel's Satsuki Azalea, since everytime in the past I found spending a few extra dollars, gave me a remarkable plant. One thing to consider, is if you want a bonsai with a TRUNK, and not a bush, this is not going to please you. The trunk in that photo doesnt even come CLOSE to appearing on the Bonsai plant I bought. Instead, around 20-30 seperate branches spring out of the dirt, and produce the most dense, sculpted hemisphere of delicate, petite, lightly hairy leaves imaginable. This plant looks NOTHING like any Azalea I've seen before. Due to a heavy pruning last fall, I dont see very many buds on this plant. Sometimes the Bonsai masters prune an azalea heavy if the form is becoming shaggy, at the expense of the next year's flower buds. If I miss out on a heavy flowering this year, I know that next year I can expect an abundance. As for the planter the bonsai arrived in, its unusual, and elegant. The bonsai pot is glazed white, a bit opaque in places where the darker clay peaks through. When the plant flowers, this pot will complement the flowers, especially if they are white, light pink, etc. The plant appears as tho I took a 10 year old Azalea bush with dense follage, and shrunk it down. An interesting bit of information is provided on almost every Bonsai I bought from Brussels: the day of potting. Since Bonsai trees need regular repotting, with the frequency dependant on the type of bonsai, this is good info to have.

Like all Brussel's bonsai plants, the quality is the best you can buy in a mass market setting. If you want better, you'd need to go to a major garden show, or know a grower, or live in Japan. I've bought many plants from this company, and I feel I got a major bargain for my money each time, especially when comparing the price to on line florists. They arrive with more than adequet packaging,so the pot cant break, nor can the plant get tossed around. If you have an indoor or tropical plant, the shipping container is filled with styrofoam peanuts for insulation and protection. Brussels has very impressive packaging.

REMEMBER THO--If you expect an Azalea with a trunk, you'll be disappointed. And naturally, it wont be in bloom unless you recieve it around June. My "deluxe" Bonsai is much nicer than the one pictured. I'm more than satisfied with the purchase.

The first bonsai arrived unsecured and very dry. I tried, following the VERY BRIEF guidelines, on watering to resuscitate it to no avail. This was a gift and it miserably died a week or so later. I bought it again and this time the plant was secure in the container. It was not dried out and the leaves, stems all seem to be ok. I followed the very brief guidelines on watering and it seems to now be sprouting new leaves. So I am thinking this one will survive. I am new to bonsai and would have loved to receive better guidance on growing and where to find more information regarding pruning. The little pamphlet that accompanies the plant could use better info and a web address for additional info, in my opinion

I was gifted a Satsuki bonsai in May. Due to missing some very important instructions, it died. I then purchased one and it did fine until last week. It didn't survive. It was pretty while it lasted.
MH

The only reason I am writing a review is to counter the 1 - 3 star reviews I've read about. I am a beginner bonsai growing person. I purchased some bonsai's from various stores; never online. I wanted an azalea bonsai and thus checked on amazon. Before purchasing, I (of course) read reviews. I was a little anxious about taking a chance because some of the reviews noted the bonsai arriving in terrible condition (mess in the box type of write up). Imagine my excitement when my new bonsai arrived in great condition (as one would expect). Maybe the person who wrapped mine took extra care, maybe some reviews were the exception not the norm. Whatever the reason, thank you Brussel's. I love the bonsai and hope it grows into a beautiful flower sprouting addition.

The Azalea arrived in great condition. I went ahead and repotted it and placed it outside for the winter. I always get great plants from Brussels.