hi guys
any advise on 1) whens the best time to prune bottlebrushes (is it too late now?)
... 2) also can I completely cut off the leaves.. cause i want to trim the branches low and that will kill off all the leaves...?
3)is it best to leave the roots.. or reduce the roots at the same time?
thanks guys
Pruning Bottlebrush
- Pup
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Re: Pruning Bottlebrush
The best time to prune is after flowering. If you want to cut back hard you can, on a healthy tree.
I have never completely defoliated but have cut back hard. Reducing the amount of foliage and roots at the same time is always the best way.
The Callistemon shoots back well so a big chop should not do it any harm. I have found them to be as tough as old boots. Sounds a bit contradictory, but chops are different to pruning.
Pup
I have never completely defoliated but have cut back hard. Reducing the amount of foliage and roots at the same time is always the best way.
The Callistemon shoots back well so a big chop should not do it any harm. I have found them to be as tough as old boots. Sounds a bit contradictory, but chops are different to pruning.
Pup

Last edited by Steven on October 2nd, 2009, 12:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Removed quote
Reason: Removed quote
IN THE LIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED, ACHIEVEMENT IS WITHIN SIGHT
I am not a complete fool, some parts are missing
I am not a complete fool, some parts are missing
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Re: Pruning Bottlebrush
sounds good to me!
*revs up chainsaw*
better buy this plant before someone grabs it?
has a very interesting root structure...
*revs up chainsaw*

better buy this plant before someone grabs it?
has a very interesting root structure...
- Grant Bowie
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Re: Pruning Bottlebrush
Listen to Mr Pup,
He knows what he is talking about.
Here is his Callistemon in the collection last summer.
He knows what he is talking about.
Here is his Callistemon in the collection last summer.
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- Pup
- Knowledgeable rogue
- Posts: 6357
- Joined: November 12th, 2008, 5:19 pm
- Favorite Species: melaleucas
- Bonsai Age: 31
- Bonsai Club: Bonsai society of Western Australia
- Location: Southern Suburbs of Perth Western Australia
- Been thanked: 37 times
- Contact:
Re: Pruning Bottlebrush
Thanks for the vote of confidence Grant. I think you had something to do with it tooGrant Bowie wrote:Listen to Mr Pup,
He knows what he is talking about.
Here is his Callistemon in the collection last summer.

Pup
IN THE LIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED, ACHIEVEMENT IS WITHIN SIGHT
I am not a complete fool, some parts are missing
I am not a complete fool, some parts are missing