AusBonsai

Just started the business of bonsai and have rescued my first specimen from a rented house next door. This tree must be 50 or 60 years old and has been cut to the base last year by a previous tenant. The last tenant was leaving before the house and site was levelled and I managed to grab this plant. I think it is a Camellia Sasanqua? Unfortunately I grabbed it in late May just before it was taken to the tip. Thje pics should show that it has two main trunks with many last season shoots. I am after advice and ideas. firstly, should I take all the new(last summer) shoots off and wait for new shoots to regrow or just let it go for a couple of years? Secondly, any tips on styling? Lastly, am I just barking mad thinking that this tree will be of any use at all in creating a bonsai?

Very nice stand in the background!
Give the dig tree at least a year, probably two before you begin work on it. In the spring, plenty of fertilizer and water, and just a little loving and it will be a cracker.

Hi Dibbo, I feel the pain on my back already

It is a a very nice tree you have there. I would be mindful of the heat too. Years ago, I did one, just a bit less than 10 cm. In the first year, it seems to be sensitive to the dry wind and the heat, though not as much as azaleas.

You know what colour this one is?

Regards.

A very worthwhile project Dibbo. As Watto said, leave it for a couple of years and study it to see which way you want to go. I would go through some Bonsai sites to see what style would suit it but an informal would be the choice i would go with.

Thanks all for your replies. I must admit I have not seen this tree in flower. Other Camellias next door I have seen in flower however include red and cream.

Any update?