Profile of a Banksia (2nd prize in recent comp)

[Dave54]

Hi everyone.
Steven suggested that I share these progression photos of my Banksia, so here it is accompanied by a story from my book "Bonsai Ramblings".
I think it is another argument for purchasing, already developed bonsai and then setting about improvement. I hope you enjoy.
cheers
Dave

PROFILE OF A BANKSIA
Aptly named “Big Boy” by its original owner, this ‘Banksia
Serrata’ is commonly known as ‘The Old Man Banksia’ or ‘The Saw Tooth Banksia’.
Named after Sir Joseph Banks and first discovered on the shores of Botany Bay, the Serrata is native to the eastern seaboard of Australia from Queensland to Tasmania.
The Banksia prefers a full sun position and is moderately tolerant to salt and wind conditions. In its natural environment this tree will grow to between 6 & 10 metres and has an incredibly knarled, greyish bark which lends itself beautifully to Bonsai culture.
As the name suggests, the leaves have a serrated edge and in time do reduce in size, however, like other fruiting or flowering trees, the size of the flower remains the same. Trees usually flower after about three years and are borne from late Autumn to spring, followed by the rather hard seed cones which are usually referred to as ‘The Big Bad Banksia Man’.
Like all Bonsai, a well drained potting mix is preferred, however, they love heaps of water during the warmer seasons with some enthusiasts standing the pot in a tray of water over summer. Your potting mix should be more toward the acid type.
Some say that Banksia should not be fertilized at all, however, this tree receives ‘Osmocote’ slow release Native Formula. One ‘expert’ told me that the tree looked too green and healthy for a native, which I found rather absurd. A warning about using ‘SEASOL’ on Banskia. Be Careful !! As some enthusiasts have suffered losses. ( works great on other trees though )
This tree was first styled in 1983 from a seedling and was grown by the ‘Clip and Grow’ method until 1998 when I purchased it and wired down the branches.
The leaves tend to grow in ‘Whorls’ or ‘Tufts’ at the end of branches but by continually pinching out the new end growth, leaves tend to shoot back along the branches and leaf size definitely reduces.
The leaves on this tree were about 120-150 mm (5-6 “) when first purchased and are now about 25mm (1").
Don’t remove Banksia from the bush as they are protected and the success rate is minimal anyway. Buy some nursery grown specimens so that the transplanting and root pruning process won’t be so intrusive to the tree. Grow them on in a large container and you will be surprised at how fast the trunk thickens up.

A healthy Banksia can be cut back to a bare trunk and it will shoot everywhere, giving you an abundance of choice for branch structure.

Big Boy’ measures 250 mm across the base and stands 500 mm high. It is planted in an unglazed Chinese pot. I am not a huge fan of Aussie natives as Bonsai, but I must say this is one of my very favourite trees.

[PeterW]

Nice one Dave, thanks for taking the time to do that mate. I enjoyed the read.
Peter

[Jarrod]

Yes thank you kindly for sharing this with us.

I was born in 1983, if only i had the hind sight to start some seeds then

[Hector Johnson]

Message Deleted

[Dave54]

Hi Hector,
Not real sure, but I do know success is good if they have feeder roots taken with them. My original article was written for beginner bonsai enthusiasts and I didn't want them ripping out every Banksia they saw growing, for no result.
cheers and good luck
Dave

[MelaQuin]

Banksias are rapid in their development. There is a new hybrid at commercial nurseries called 'Birthday Candles'. The flower size is small and appropriate for a medium sized tree and banksia lovers can have their tree and flowers too... all in proportion.

[Jon Chown]

Dave, that is a great read and a fantastic photo essay. Thank you for sharing.

Jon

[Leigh Taafe]

G'day Dave and everyone,

I love this tree. It would look great at my place.

I have a little bit of experience with Banksia, not a huge amount, so I wouldn't call myself a Banksia Expert. I have however been successful in using fertilisers that most wouldn't use on Banksia.

I have found that the tree needs to get used to being fed (as yours would be Dave - being so green).

Banksia throw out microscopic feeder roots when they are faced with starving conditions, these roots have the singular job of finding nutrients to feed the tree when available food is extremely sparse.

So when a Banksia that is in need of nutrients is fed with any fertiliser that has any kind of strength to it, these roots will get "burnt" by the overdose of food that they receive, and no longer work - thus killing the tree.

However, a Banksia that is regularly fed, will not throw out these roots in search of food.

How do you get a nutrient deficient Banksia to be able to take stronger feeding?
Feed the tree with the Osmocote that Dave suggests, or use "Maxicrop" liquid fertiliser in small doses. Once your tree has the strength to handle a root prune, these microscopic roots can be trimmed away. Let the tree recover, then gradually build up the strength of fertiliser you use.

Banksia can create beautiful bonsai, as Dave has shown, and it can be done in a relatively short time if you prepare your tree for a stronger feeding regime.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Asus101]

i cant keep them alive, I even kill them just slip potting....

[Dave54]

Hi everyone,
I actually only repot this tree every few years, so it is generally root bound and subsequently is the first tree in my collection to dry out.
I am not saying that is the ideal potting regime for banksias, but it works for this tree.
When I was selling at the markets I used to repot and style banksias without any losses.
My tip is to try and repot during a "dorment" period just before or during Spring. They tend to have a few different
"Dorments" and "growth spurts" throughout the year.
Leigh's advice sounds good, however, anyone having trouble keeping Banksia alive will find that you will have more success not fertilizing at all, rather than overfeeding.
Good Luck and glad you like the tree Leigh
cheers
Dave

[brenden]

Hi Dave,

Great info! Thanks for sharing.

Is your book "Bonsai Ramblings' available for purchase or is it a personal journal?

I find it interesting the number of times each of the pictures you uploaded have been viewed. VERY little views in the older pics, but crazy for the most recent. Seems people like results more than how it got there

1983... gosh I was then! Is the pic "May 01_4_1.jpg" from 1998 when you purchased it and wired down the branches?

Cheers,
Brenden

[Dave54]

Hi Brendan,
I'm glad you are appreciative of my postings. I purchased the tree at a stage between photos "C" & "D". but unfortunately no photo.
My book "Bonsai Ramblings" is listed in the "FOR SALE" section of Ausbonsai Forum in CD format to reduce costs.
I have received really positive feedback from forum members and am lead to believe some reviews on this site will be forthcoming shortly.
regards
Dave

[marleeney]

I love the Banksia Serrata and would love to create a great one. Can you please tell me when it is suitable to defoliate the banksia and exactly how it is done. I have done a fig but not a serrata.
Many thanks
Marleeney

[Dave54]

Hi Marleeney,
I have never actually defoliated a Banksia, except I suppose when cutting nursery stock back to the bare base trunk, to start complete new branching.
Instead I continually cut new shoots back to one pair of leaves which not only greatly increases your branch ramification, but also reduces leaf size.
Any individual large leaves I just remove as they appear.
Hope this helps as it works for me. Good luck
cheers
Dave

[marleeney]

Many thanks Dave. I love these Banksias. I saw one at a bonsai show in the Sutherland Shire about a year ago it was the biggest banksia bonsai I have seen I fell in love with the species after that. I wish I had the talent to create one the same.
Many thanks
Marleeney