Mel linariifolia Styling Advice

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Mitchell
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Mel linariifolia Styling Advice

Post by Mitchell »

Hi all!
Went for a trip to the local state forest nursery to have a look at the natives. I picked up this Meleuca "Snow in summer" as it was the only one with branch structure under a 30cm high.
I am most probably thinking of chopping it above the second branch on the left. It has at least five small branches which I could utilise to build the new canopy.

Any thoughts on where to chop, how to style? Any virts?

Feedback would be appreciated as this is my first Mel and am un sure of where to head in general, especially style wise. :?
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Regards, Mitchell.



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Re: Mel linariifolia Styling Advice

Post by Pup »

This is very young material Mitchell, what it needs is to be cut back and put in a grow box or the ground. It needs to be rounded off and let grow.

No good with virts not willing to try! Just look at some of the broom style trees around, start with that and go from there.
Cheers :) Pup
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Mitchell
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Re: Mel linariifolia Styling Advice

Post by Mitchell »

Pup wrote:This is very young material Mitchell, what it needs is to be cut back and put in a grow box or the ground. It needs to be rounded off and let grow.

No good with virts not willing to try! Just look at some of the broom style trees around, start with that and go from there.
Cheers :) Pup
Thanks for the reply Pup, unfortunately the oldest at the nursery.

when you say "cut back", how far we talkin'?
Regards, Mitchell.



"It is one thing to shape a tree into form, but when you are able to convincingly deceive ones perception of reality, something much more is accomplished than just a simple bonsai."

"In a perfect world, we would all be giants and all plants Bonsai."

"Grow big, finish small."


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Grant Bowie
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Re: Mel linariifolia Styling Advice

Post by Grant Bowie »

Mitchell wrote:
Pup wrote:This is very young material Mitchell, what it needs is to be cut back and put in a grow box or the ground. It needs to be rounded off and let grow.

No good with virts not willing to try! Just look at some of the broom style trees around, start with that and go from there.
Cheers :) Pup
Thanks for the reply Pup, unfortunately the oldest at the nursery.

when you say "cut back", how far we talkin'?
Instead of a virt, why not aim towards something like this.
Babingtonia.JPG
In WA I saw Mels, Leptos, Baekea/Babbingtonia shaped and clipped tightly.

Grant
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bonsai4life
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Re: Mel linariifolia Styling Advice

Post by bonsai4life »

Grant that has a really nice natural look to it....is it yours?

Mitchell cut it low and let it grow...probably to that branch on the left that is on the up angle

Cheers
Gott 8-)
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Re: Mel linariifolia Styling Advice

Post by Pup »

No, that is a Babingtonia Virgata it belongs to C,J,Leo.

NEVER cut back past green foliage unless you are absolutly sure the species bud back on bare wood. I have many Melalaleucas that do that, but I will always do it slowly.

Cheers :) Pup
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Grant Bowie
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Re: Mel linariifolia Styling Advice

Post by Grant Bowie »

Pup wrote:No, that is a Babingtonia Virgata it belongs to C,J,Leo.

NEVER cut back past green foliage unless you are absolutly sure the species bud back on bare wood. I have many Melalaleucas that do that, but I will always do it slowly.

Cheers :) Pup
Pup is correct. It is owned by one of the WA experts in natives and there will be lots of info at the AABC convention next year.

You really should go! It will be an eye opener.

Grant
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