bottle brush

[slugwarrior]

I am going to to collect this bottle brush. I was wondering if someone could tell me if I could collect it at this time of year?

[Webos]

I Dug one that size in Jan/Feb. It has survived and is showing great signs of health. It was very, very difficult work. My callistemon had its roots in the ground HARD!..3 big boys, shovels, rakes and implements of destruction took an hr of blood, sweat and tears. We weren't particularly nice to it but it pulled through.

I was told it's good to dig them in the summer. Unsure if now is a good or bad time.

[slugwarrior]

Thanks for the repley. How much root ball did you get with the tree? What sort of after care did you have to give to the tree?
Sorry for so many questions but if I am going to collect it I do not want to nurse a dying tree

[Pup]

Gday they are very hardy beasts. Just give it plenty of water before you dig it. Two reason's the tree has the opportunity to get some reserves built in , and it makes the soil softer for digging. Get as much of the root ball as is practical. Then when you have a proper look trim out what you are not going to use. Put it in the appropriate size growing box, stand back and watch it recover, and then start working out where you wish to go with it.

I have dug these at this time of the year here in WA. Just keep it moist whilst it recovers, using some seasol as per manufacturers instructions.

You should have no troubles. Cheers Pup

[kcpoole]

Nice find at least the ground is falt and you have good access

do as Pup Says and you will be fine. I got one in Jan from and old Nursery and the roots had gotten into the ground. Had to pot up and in doing so removed Most of the roots. 2 months later showing nice strong new growth:-), I will start to style it in spring

Ken

[slugwarrior]

I took the plunge and dug it out. I have blisters on my hands and a couple of scapes but I think it is well worth it. I was lucky that it had quite a few feeder roots at the base of the trunk and there was only 2 tap roots. I under estimated the size of the root ball so I had to plant it in the ground near the shed. Is this going to cause any problems? I posted the end result on the other bottle brush.

[kcpoole]

Back in the ground is fine

Gives the roots plenty of room and when you redig you can give another chop then, either back in the ground or box at that time as needed.

After care is the same tho, Seasol and plenty water. This time of year you have no problems with being too hot

ken