Melaleuca linariifolia (Snow in Summer)

[Diane]

Just dug up a tree. Well to be truthful, it was done for me by my husband as a surprise.
He dug out a Melaleuca linariifolia (Snow in Summer). It was a garden centre buy about 6 years ago and up until I got interested in bonsai it has been pruned as a garden plant each year to keep it under control. I did try an air layer at one stage but that didnt seem to go anywhere.
So photos following using what seems to be the standard measure, sorry only tins and I have to rely on the digger to empty them
The big roots from right underneath have been chopped and Ive left the surrounding roots and they do seem to have a lot of smaller feeder roots. It still has a couple of small shoots on the branches and these are quite new as they have the red tinge.
Took pics from 2 sides and above. Its now taking a bath in Seasol.
Ideas and suggestions are very welcome as I will need some idea of how to proceed now.

bonsai snow in summer 001 (480x640).jpg

bonsai snow in summer 002 (480x640).jpg

from above

bonsai snow in summer 003 (640x480).jpg

[LLK]

The second view is quite nice. If this shrub survives, you'll have an exceptional pre-bonsai. Seasol to start with is fine; after that I advise a polystyrene planting box with a nice, well-draining potting mix to which you have added a handful of Osmocote for Natives. Water well, to settle the soil around the roots, and after that leave the shrub alone until the soil is just humid, not wet, when you can water a little again. The soil should be well moistened, but not sopping. Keep the shrub in a protected spot, out of the sun and out of the wind for at least a month, in Winter. As for styling: let's get back to that when the new shoots have appeared and are starting to develop into branches. First of all: concentrate on getting it to survive.

Lisa

[Diane]

Thanks for the reply Lisa, after 83 views and no comments I thought I had broken some kind rule!

The time for the dig wasn't ideal, I would have preferred to wait for a few more weeks but we didnt have a choice it needed to go now. Polystyrene box ready and waiting along with some good quality potting mix, r and r spot sorted under the pergola.
Now I wait......