Brush Cherry - suggestions please

[scorpio]

I bought this Brush Cherry some months ago. I do, of course, have my own ideas, but given my appalling history with natives, I'd really appreciate your thoughts, ideas, suggestions etc. on where I go from here, particularly in relation to pruning and when to do so.

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Scorpio.

PS - Just because I have my own ideas doesn't mean I don't appreciate other people's opinions!

[Steven]

Hi Carol, I'd be cutting it right back then letting it grow on for a season. To me, it looks too lanky at the moment.

What are you planning?

Steven

[scorpio]

Thank you for your reply, Steven.

As to my plans - I'd liketo cut it back - as you say, it's too lanky. However, it seems from books etc. that with most trees, some foliage should be left to ensure water, nutrients etc. still get to the branches. If I leave some foliage, I'll be taking about an inch off the tree - which hardly seems reasonable or worthwhile. But as I've already killed off one or two other brush cherries (possibly from inappropriate or untimely pruning) I'm more than a little wary about attacking this one. Although there are a couple of branches which will likely go - but when??? I've had some people tell me I should prune all natives in autumn, others say in spring, while I've also been told to prune in mid-summer, which would make it about now. All these are bonsai growers (Australian), but I have to admit, not ones who have a similar climate. No-one's suggested winter yet!!

Scorpio

[Pup]

G, day Carol, I have two Lilly Pillies one Acmena ( formally Eugenia ) the other Syzygium. Both Miniatures and posted in the Australian species section here.
I have found them very forgiving.
Root pruning is best as with all plants there is an optimum time. In spring however if you miss it you can do it when the leaves have hardened off and has been dormant and is about to bud again.
Natives can have up to eight (8) growth spurts a year. I have reduced the roots quite severely but never bare rooted them.
Pruning is OK they do shoot back on old wood also with a healthy a well fed tree leaf reduction is possible. Wiring is OK but ( is there not always a but ) be careful they are very brittle. The flowers are borne on new growth so it should always be in good shape.
Watering is VERY important do not let them dry out here's that but again it must be a free draining soil good drainage is a must.
Fertilising is needed to encourage flowers and of course growth.
I use a fertilizer called Phostrogen it is 14% Nitrogen 4.1% phosphorous 28% potassium and the added micro trace elements. I have used this Fortnightly since I started growing Bonsai. I do alternate with an Azalea food, as most natives are acid loving plants. So to answer you Carol watch for new growth. Then go for it.
Remember however after care when you have done any thing major is always paramount. Not too much of any thing and only start to feed when new growth is apparent. They will take which I know in your area unlikely salt spray but please wash it off, they can take sun or shade and will handle light frost I hope this is of some help. Pup

[scorpio]

Thank you, Pup - that is really helpful. I've been using Osmocote for Natives as a fertilizer, both mixed into the soil mix when repotting and also a sprinkling on the surface from time to time. I'll check out the Phostrogen the next time I go somewhere there's a nursery - we only have the one business that sells gardening products here, and those the very basic ones, so I doubt they'll have it - but I'll check here also this afternoon.

My soil mix is free draining - while I know I should have all sorts of "ingredients", I'm limited by what's available. I use a commercial native potting mix with diatomite (which I get from Melbourne) mixed in until it looks OK. (I use the same principles when I cook - which may be the reason my husband does a lot of the cooking in our house!! ). Seriously, though, the mix drains very freely.

And no, we don't have too much trouble with sea spray. Apparently, this whole area was an inland sea many millenia ago though, so our soil is very salt affected, but as I don't use it for my trees, it's hardly an issue - although it grows beautiful apricots!

Thank you again for your help - it's much appreciated. My tree will appreciate it also!

Scorpio

[Hector Johnson]

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