AusBonsai

Hi guys just wondering if you can help me with a species ID.

I walk between 2 large shrubs every time I go through my front garden and never really thought to see if I could bonsai these. After a bit more of a look I thought I better see what people think as my first Airlayer victim may be right under my nose.

I have no idea what so ever, looks sort of like a quince, although I'm sure it's not (and I've never actually seen one in person so I don't know why I say that). It's partially changed colour as autumn past but did not seem to drop any leaves?

Attached is a few photos. If you know what it is can you also please tell me if it can be turned into good bonsai stock.



Cheers,
Pearcy.

I am guessing at, lorapetulum

Looking like you might be on to a winner there Gerard. A quick Google search seems to be coming up the goods. Cheers mate.

I'd agree with Loripetalum, probably the pink flowered one judging by the leaf colour.
They transplant quite easily and all the roots that are left in the ground will also start to grow so if you want a few more just put in some root cuttings.
Not sure about the final bonsai. They respond well to pruning but I'm having trouble getting mine to ramify so I'd work towards a larger bonsai rather than trying for shohin size.

As usual you're a wealth of knowledge Neil. Much appreciated. I take it I should be waiting until spring/summer for beginning any airlayering or transplants?

layers are always faster in spring and summer. Early spring would probably be the ideal time for transplant but you can probably move these any time of year if you need to. The last couple I dug up were pruned back to bare trunks. I seem to remember that it took quite a while for new shoots but both survived at different times of the year.