Isopogon anemonifolius as Bonsai??? Anyone had a go??

[dansai]

I'm expecting a child any day soon and I visited a general nursery recently to find a plant to start as a bonsai as soon as she is born. Looking for a native I came across an Isopogon anemonifolius 'Little Drumsticks' which is a dwarf variety.

It has a beautiful curved trunk and quite a shrubby habit with many branches and shoots to chose from. The leaves are deeply divided like some Grevillia's such as 'Robyn Gordon' and G. robusta. They are also held rather upright (not so good for Bonsai). They are hardy, extremely drought tolerant, happy in harsh environments and can be cut back hard.

So, has anyone had a go at an Isopogon as a Bonsai?

[Boics]

I haven't had one but as they are similar to Grevillia I think they would do ok.

Grevillia have not got the greatest wrap presumably due to their larger leaves however Matta has demonstrated some success with this species.
Have a peek around the forums for Grevillia and you should come across a little bit more info.

[dansai]

Well here it is. No work yet. Still waiting on our baby to be born. Due tomorrow.

Isopogon 2 June 2013.jpg

[Watto]

Dansai - trunk looks good and it has plenty of low branches and foliage so gets a tick in many boxes. Keep us posted if you wouldn't mind.
PS - good luck with the new arrival.
Cheers

[dansai]

Baby was born today. Both mum and bubs are doing excellent. So, I'll be heading home tonight to do the first trim on this one.

[dansai]

Sorry for the poor photos, I only had my phone for a camera and I dropped it so it has no screen and I took pictures without knowing what they were until I downloaded them.

I wasn't going to touch the roots much but the soil fell away along with lots of roots, so

Isopogon roots.jpg

Not the best angle, and doesn't show the shape of the trunk well, but I was taking photos blind.

Isopogon trimmed.jpg

And the addition to the family.

photo_2_2.jpg

[Boics]

Congratulations!

Hope you haven't gone too far with that tree of yours though!
Good luck!

[dansai]

Supposed to be very hardy and grow well in exposed conditions, so its tough enough. Gave it a good seasol bath and will do so a few more times.

Our winter is pretty mild here. Still have a few deciduous tress in full leaf, natives that are pushing new growth and night temps mostly still double digits.

[EdwardH]

I reckon that the third pic is a winner

[dansai]

Definitely the third is the best.

Easy to distinguish the front on that one

I think I'll stick to clip and grow. Probably a long term project.