Eucalyptus Hybrid Styling advice.

[Mitchell]

Hi all!

Just picked up this young stock. It's a "Summer Red" Euca Ficifolia and e. Ptchocarpa hybrid grafted onto understock (not sure what). Was root bound so decided to repot with fresh mix, until the rain dies down and I can plant it out in the yard.
Discovered under the surface of the soil, the trunkline took a drastic curve before reaching an unusual root system for a plant that was upright when I bought it.

The root system decided the re-pot angle, as the larger roots are not maluble anymore but set. Not sure about that yet but doesn't matter too much at this stage. This angle also gave me the best surface roots, much of which are covered in shot.

The general plan will be to plant out and fert to build up trunk size. My neighbours planted some of these out on their nature strip about 5 years ago, they are over 12ft tall and 7ft wide canopies.
I chose this one because, it had no visible graft line, the lowest branch structure with a few new leader options and some reasonable curves in the trunk which the rest didn't have. It wasn't the thickest trunk on offer for the price, but definatley had the most character out of the 30 or so.

I am sure due to the size of the leaves it won't make much of a bonsai, but I enjoy a challenge and this certainly look like one.

I think at this stage I may keep the canopy to add trunk girth, with the intention of chopping it down to the lower branches.

Not sure exactly where to head, any styling or general advice is appreciated as I am new to Euc's.
Thanks for your time and assistance.

[Greenhorn]

hey more of a question d you think that you could somehow make an air layer half way and make a full cascade and chop the lower branch? then the top formal upright? or anything you wanted, also maybe the lower branch could be layered to make a tree? and if not why? only questions.i'm only new to bonsai as my name suggests.

[Mitchell]

I am sure that is one of the many possibilities. Not sure if I would go to the extent of layering off the top, as you can buy similar stock for $16. I am thinking the top is going to help build the trunks girth, once its job is complete, I'll probably cut down to the lowest branch.

I like the idea of a full cascade, but was going possibly for more windswept or informal upright. Not really sure either way, your suggestions are intriguing though.


I am hoping to achieve something along these lines in 5-10 years (picture). Would of liked to get a hold of larger stock, but this was the best I could get. Work with what you have I guess.

This is a Bonsai by Ted.... sorry not sure of the last name, I believe it's in the National collection... maybe.. Perhaps Leigh / Grant can correct me.

[Glenn C]

G'day Mitchell,
I've had a go with a few of these grafted flowering eucs over the last few years and they all keel over for no apparent reason, good luck with yours.
PS. Ted's tree is an angophora costata not a euc.

[Mitchell]

G'day Mitchell,
I've had a go with a few of these grafted flowering eucs over the last few years and they all keel over for no apparent reason, good luck with yours.
PS. Ted's tree is an angophora costata not a euc.

I'll try and leave it alone then...

I was just giving an example of how I would like it to head in regards to style, not a reference that it was a Euc too.

[Pup]

G,day Mitchell, the name is Ted Poynton and the tree is an Angophora costata, ( common names apple gum, Sydney red gum ) it is not a Eucalyptus.
Although it is referred to as a gum tree.

It is a member of the Myrtaceae family.

Hope this has helped, cheers Pup

[Mitchell]

Certainly is a very impressive tree Pup, stands about 1.2m tall does it not?