Digging Callistemon

[kez]

Hey folks,

I have a garden bed that was recently planted with some Callistemon (among other things) just before we bought the house, and in an attempt to make the garden look finished I don't think any thought was given to what would happen over the years.

I have been thinking lately about the growth of these beautiful tree's and had never considered their potential as bonsai, but they are starting to get a little big for their space so I was wondering what would be involved in digging these guys out.

I have never dug a tree before so I would love some advice on a step by step, when, after care, how they will respond to heavy pruning etc....

The idea of turning these into bonsai is greatly appealing to me I have to say

Here are some pics of what I have to work with

One of the trees (complete with reference dog)


base 1 (rock is a bit bigger than a house brick, same tree as abaove)


Base 2 (different tree)


And another base


Looking forward to everyones thoughts,

Kez

[Isitangus]

If it's in your garden you may as well keep them there, cut back and grow etc, no point taking them out of the ground only to put them in a pot. They shoot back easily.

[Watto]

Hi Kez,
There are many very knowledgable people on this site who could advise, but before they help you this would be my suggestion:
1) Cut them down to about 50cm above the ground, and do it now
2) Water well and fertilise too (anything for Aus natives)
3) As you live in Wollongong they should shoot like mad and grow quite well before winter sets in
4) In about October/November this year dig them out with as much root structure as you can manage
5) Pot into containers that are not too deep (I find wooden box's good)
6) Water them well and hope. They are tough plants and should reward you in a few years time.

[Elmar]

Hi Kez,
do you want to remove all of the Calls?
You could leave one or two in the ground because they would/could continue to develop into bigger better Bonsai over time OR they could be used as a base from where you could continue to collect material from as long as you have the house … and then you'd still be able to remove one or two to turn into Bonsai projects now.

Not very helpful on the removal aspect, but food for thought, I feel.

Keep us posted when/ if you dig one or more out because I'd like to know, too!