[Boics] Syzygium Lilly Pilly.

[Boics]

Upon request from another member and inspiration from that thread find enclosed some pics of my one and only Syzygium (Lilly Pilly).
I find this to be an incredibly pleasant and forgiving tree to work with due to the fact that.

A) It grows like wildfire.
B) Backbuds (and in fact buds) just about everywhere.

Since I purchased this tree (from Bonsai Art) I've trimmed it back to a basic shape and wired.
Then I've let it grow back out again and nurtured a few branches in places that I have needed them.
Recently I've re-wired a few sections, thinned and further compacted a few of these branches.

I'm looking forward to further refining the foliage pads, extending branches and ramification and thickening of newer branches.
I'm also yet to re-pot the tree.

When is a good time to do so on this species?
Are there any other tidbits that others might like to comment on?

Always happy for styling advise / ideas.

Thanks for watching.

[alpineart]

Hi Biocs , mate glad to see you post your tree. I found with mine as the new shoots progressed into branches they were out of proportion to the rest of the older branches .I have removed all the older branches and utilized the newer growth to grow the new tree . This has only taken 2 seasons and is a far better tree for the effort .I removed them over time while keeping the growth under control by rubbing off the unwanted shoots . This tree will progress well .

Cheers Alpine

[Boics]

Yes I'm conscious that some branches can easily become out of proportion.
Branch #1 in particular is borderline too chunky and some are a bit thin.

I've considered lopping off all branches and starting again and will do so in a year or so.
For now though my goal is to realise the image I have for the tree in the near term.
This will involve giving it a pot, exposing the nebari and likely a seasons refinement on the branching.

After this I will likely let the tree grow wild for a year or so to thicken (preferably in the ground) before entire branch removal and a start from scratch.

That's the plan.

Koreshoffs say best to repot in Spring before new growth appears.
However they can be repotted at other times when leaves have hardened and the tree has been dormant for a while.

[alpineart]

Hi Biocs , sounds like a plan . I have 1 branch that is also borderline in the upper reaches but i will re-trim it more so than the others and hopefully they will catch up . Good luck with it .

Cheers Alpine

[Josh]

This tree should become quite nice fairly quickly. They are awesome little trees and seem to handle a fair bit. interesting to see this one progress.

Josh

[Neli]

I have airlayered one of my trees, and plan to do my own variation of the Ebihara/ Urushibata technique. I want to graft mature branches on my tree ot at least try to do it.

[Boics]

Here are a couple of updated pics.
Hasn't been long since the last one but hands down these things seem to absolutely FLY!!

I only have one LP and as I have indicated earlier I cannot recommend these more highly as a tree to have some fun with.
They are prolific growers, seem to shape themselves well, ramify easily and bud and backbud all over the place.

Still looking forward to getting this one into a pot and may consider it when this growth spurt hardens off.

As you may notice there are a few random branches which will need some wire shortly but I am letting them grow out a bit to thicken and ramify.
As always welcome feedback or suggestions.

[Boics]

I think this one is starting to take some shape now.

Been able to chase the branches into proportion by continually cutting back.
Also been continually pruning and trimming for ramification which is bulking things up a lot in terms of foliage pads.
Yes it's a bit topiary-esc but I understand that some may refer to that as a "far view" Bonsai as opposed to a more detailed "near view".

I think I have a better pot in mind..

Does anyone know about how to promote / get flowers?
This tree did flower once upon a time.

Thoughts and suggestions always welcome.

[Elmar]

Hey Boics,
Do you have any updates pics? I've gotten one of these which is too-heavy but I can make 2 out of one tree and intend to Airlayer it off later.

Watching with interest.


Cheers
Elmar

[Boics]

Woops.
This is the updated pic!

[Boics]

As of today.
If any beginners are looking for tree's to work with then look no further than Lilly Pilly.
Fantastic specimen that I can't recommend highly enough!

I did re-pot early in the year / say springish and it did sulk a little.
I singed a few leaves and was worried for a month but in true fashion it's been screaming along since.

This new pot is actually a prize from Ausbonsai from the Wiki winter writers comp.

[kcpoole]

Nice tree and I agree with you
Lilly Pilli are an Excellent first native for anyone.

Ken

[matlea]

Agree....smallish leaves, Spring leaf colour, flowers and fruit...some also have nice bark...good plants

[zimzallabim]

Really nice

Sent from my D6683 using Tapatalk

[Boics]

Not a whole lot of difference since the last photo but I find it interesting how different the leaf colour is right now.
Will probably cut back reasonably hard and maybe look for a new leader and improved taper this year.
I'd also like to show a bit of nebari as from memory it actually has a decent spread.
During growing season this tree absolutely flies along..