Bargain bin finds

[Laurie J]

Hi everyone,

I found these today too cheap to pass up, whether they end up as Bonsai or in my garden I don't mind. Would love your opinions on whether they're worth pursuing as Bonsai

Callistemon viminalis


Hybrid - Splendens x pallidus


Also got these:

Banksia spinulosa


Prunus pursica

[kcpoole]

The only one Not good for Bonsai is the callistemon. That one seems to have large leaves?
most Calli can be found with small leaves and are awesome as bonsai

Each of the other will make very nice Bonsai.
Put in the ground for a few year to bulk them up and have the best of both worlds .

Ken

[Phoenix238]

The Peach is also grafted, so I wouldn't bother with that one. You could take some cuttings or layers from up high once it gets bigger though

[kcpoole]

The Peach is also grafted, so I wouldn't bother with that one. You could take some cuttings or layers from up high once it gets bigger though

good point, I did not see it

Put it in the ground and layer off soem branches when they develop

Ken

[Laurie J]

Thanks guys! I'll pop the callistemon and the peach in the ground then. I assumed the peach was grafted anyway.

[Bush bunny]

What's wrong with a grafted peach tree? I bought one Japanese White Pine grafted and an Blue cedar, and another pine I can't remember the name a round one. They all cost me around $40 each. Not as bonsai though just a garden centre, and they were very healthy and growing well. Is that the difference. Some times they graft some fruit trees so to avoid some disease or give the graft more stability as far as growth is concerned. Anyway it's a nice garden tree, so plant it and see how it grows. I would treat it as a bonsai, and leave it to grow in a big pot, so I could keep an eye on it from insects and disease.

[Isitangus]

Hi bush bunny there's nothing wrong with grafted trees as bonsai, but it all comes down to the graft. This has a straight trunk and high graft, so can't be cut back too low or it won't be a peach.
As other have said the best thing is to grow it up and take layers later.

[Phoenix238]

What's wrong with a grafted peach tree? I bought one Japanese White Pine grafted and an Blue cedar, and another pine I can't remember the name a round one. They all cost me around $40 each. Not as bonsai though just a garden centre, and they were very healthy and growing well. Is that the difference. Some times they graft some fruit trees so to avoid some disease or give the graft more stability as far as growth is concerned. Anyway it's a nice garden tree, so plant it and see how it grows. I would treat it as a bonsai, and leave it to grow in a big pot, so I could keep an eye on it from insects and disease.

Oh I don't have a problem with a grafted peach tree, in fact I have one sitting on my front porch! They just aren't built for bonsai In this case the grafted rootstock is what keeps it "dwarfed"

[kcpoole]

What's wrong with a grafted peach tree?

Generally they will look ugly.
They invariable are not done well, so as Bonsai they stick out like a sore thumb. Reverse taper and different bark types are usually the downfall.

Ken

[MoGanic]

What's wrong with a grafted peach tree?

Generally they will look ugly.
They invariable are not done well, so as Bonsai they stick out like a sore thumb. Reverse taper and different bark types are usually the downfall.

Ken

Could always layer above the graft? Usually these aren't done for want of a stronger root system, but rather because cuttings are too difficult and seedlings aren't saleable for a long time (especially with flowering trees).

So really, an air layer would be the best way to get this on it's way to becoming a Bonsai, true?

Never layered one of these but I've seen layers on pretty much anything. Can't imagine it'd be too hard to achieve...

Regards,
Mo

[Bush bunny]

I live and learn, thanks everyone.