2015 Native Symposium Photos

[Ces]

Thank you Gerard. Fantastic post

[kcpoole]

Hi Gerard, this is top information and an invaluable resource, thanks for posting it!

My question is how aggressively can you root prune callistemon?

I collected a few last year and root pruned them fairly hard. Check this thread viewtopic.php?f=9&t=18634&"
I did not get any shots of the roots out of the pots, but most went into Orchid pots which will give an indication of the final size of them.

Ken

[Gerard]

My question is how aggressively can you root prune callistemon?

I have killed a callistemon where I felt I did everything right and become discouraged, I do not own a good one so hopefully others can advise on this subject.

Thank you Gerard. Fantastic post

Thanks Ces, it gets better stay tuned

[Gerard]

15. Callistemon citrinus
Crimson bottlebrush

native symposium 2015 15 callistemon citrinus (crimson bottlebrush) - Copy - Copy.jpg

History: The tree was collected in 2011 and left to recover for a year. The initial styling was done at a Bonsai North West meeting with the assistance of an experienced member of that club. He and I have continued with the design and refinement of the tree over the years.
Horticulture: I find my Callistemons very thirsty in summer, and have to water them twice a day sometimes. They seem to respond well to wiring and I have had no negative issues with root pruning. The only issue I have had with them is webbing caterpillars. I have never tried to defoliate it.

[Gerard]

16. Eucalyptus sp.
Gum tree

native symposium 2015 16 eucalyptus sp. (gum) - Copy - Copy.jpg

History: This tree was purchased from nursery as pre-trained bonsai three years ago. It has undergone restyling for the past two years.
It is uncommon to see a eucalyptus styled in the twin trunk style.

[Gerard]

17. Ficus rubiginosa
Port Jackson fig

native symposium 2015 17 ficus rubignosa (Port Jackson fig) - Copy - Copy.jpg

History: This tree was purchased from bonsai nursery in early 2007 and restyled in late 2007.
It came from a renowned bonsai person here in Melbourne.
Horticulture: It gets defoliated twice a year and repotted every three years.
It loves full sun.

[Gerard]

18. Leptospermum laevigatum
Coastal tea tree

native symposium 2015 18 leptospermum laevigatum (coastal tea tree) - Copy - Copy.jpg

History: These trees were purchased as tube stock from a bonsai nursery in 2005 and were styled as a group in 2006.
Horticulture: The species loves full sun and lots of water. It is very easy to work with.

[Gerard]

19. Melaleuca bracteata
Black tea tree/River tea tree

native symposium 2015 19 melaleuca bracteata (black tea tree or river tea tree) - Copy - Copy.jpg

History: This bonsai has been grown from nursery stock approximately 25 years ago and has been trained in its current style over the last four years.
Horticulture: It is a fast growing tree that responds well to pruning, and, combined with ample food and water, branching and ramification are easy to achieve.

[Gerard]

21. Leptospermum laevigatum
Coastal tea tree

native symposium 2015 21 leptospermum laevigatum (coastal tea tree) - Copy - Copy.jpg

History: This group planting was put together using young nursery stock approximately 10 years ago.
Originally planted on a stone slab, it was replanted in this tray four years ago. I found that the planting on the slab dried out far too quickly in the hot Melbourne summer.
The trees need regular pruning to prevent leggy growth.
Webbing caterpillars are a problem if not quickly dealt with.

[Gerard]

22. Leptospermum laevigatum
Coastal tea tree

native symposium 2015 22 leptospermum laevigatum (coastal tea tree) - Copy - Copy.jpg

History: This tree was collected from coastal cliff in 2009. It was left for approximately 12 months before styling commenced.

[Josh]

This is fantastic Gerard. Thank you for putting this together, a lot of work involved.

Josh

[EdwardH]

WOW what great trees. The twin trunk euc. is brilliant

[Josh]

I think you got the right front on the twin trunk eucy too

[Magzy]

awesome

[marcela]

Thanks Gerard for posting the trees and the individual histories along with them. We wanted to have as much info in terms of horticultural techniques but space was always going to be against us in the catalogue. I hope all who attended appreciated the catalogue put together for the exhibition.

My experience with Callistemon root pruning has been positive. I have cut back quite hard on all the calli's I own and have had no issues. Most have been done in warmer weather ie Oct to March. After care is one thing some people get wrong and therefore can be detrimental to the tree. I protect from full late morning to late afternoon sun and water accordingly. Root aphid is what I have had more of an issue but that is for another topic for another day.
Marcela