First attempt at Bonsai (Callistemon)

[NakMuay]

Over the weekend i bought my first 2 potential bonsai. The Callistemon in this post and a Buxus which i have posted in the evergreens section.
Most of the Callistemons at the nursery didn't look in too good of condition. this one was by far the best. It is a Splendens x Pallidus and the common name is Hot Pink obviously due to the colour of the flowers.
I don't have a very clear idea on what to do with this one at this stage so i'm hoping someone here might have some inspiration for me.
I will be putting both plants in a grow box some time this week to help them fill out a bit.

[NakMuay]

Had some thoughts on this tree last night at work, so as soon as i got up this arvo i gave it a little bit of a trim and its turning out better than expected.
I've decide that what was originaly the back will now be the front, and i'm just trying to figure out what branches to get rid of now.
Here is a progression pic for what i've done in the last hour.

[NakMuay]

Finished pruning and wiring now. Will plant in a growbox later this week.

[Steven]

G'day NakMuay,

Thanks for showing us your first tree!
If this were mine I would be putting more movement into the branches. They might spring back a bit when you remove the wire so you should really exaggerate your bends.

Looking forward to watching as it grows.

Regards,
Steven

[NakMuay]

I was planning on that, just need to get some thicker wire for the bigger branches.
Thanks.

[kcpoole]

I woud cut the Right hand branch back to the Knot you see to be the first branch, and then bend the left branch down to make the foliage next level up

Do you know what species Callistimon?

Ken

[NakMuay]

It's a Splendens x Pallidus.