Banksia integrifolia... neglecta

[teejay]

A Banksia I’ve had for a long time (grew it from seedling). It’s been very badly looked after the last couple of years for a few reasons but I’m keen to change that.

I’m aware of a few probs with it but some constructive criticism would be nice as well as something to think about.

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[shibui]

Looks like you have the structure of a very nice banksia bonsai there. Fortunately banksias love to bud on bare wood so it does not really matter how long and overgrown they get - just cut back and wait for the new buds to grow. yours already looks like it has many new buds to work with.

The only obvious thing I can see that I'd consider changing is the first branch that looks quite straight. Maybe cut back to one of the side branches to get a change of angle and line and let it grow out again?

[teejay]

Thanks Shibui, you’re definitely right, you forgot to mention that the first beach seems too fat! Two seasons of little attention with a banksia and BANG, that’s what you get.

It does stick straight out like you say, I seem to have that issue on a few trees, always the first branch?? Must be a bad habit I’ve gotten into with the first cut back?