Melaleuca Bracteata Var. "Johannesburg Gold"

[lennard]

I got two of this trees in June 2010 and one dried up and almost died........but it recovered and shoots sprung up from everywhere!
As it was June 2010:

S4010001.jpg

This is the trunkline I was thinking of following:

virted.jpg

This the tree today:

(Side A)

februarie 2011.jpg

(Side B)

februarie 2011b.jpg

And this is more or less the direction I want to go with this:

aug2010 virt.jpg

Any thoughts on this?

Lennard

[kcpoole]

Very nice Lennard, but I thik the top section is too long.
Maybe take 1/3 - 1/2 of it off?

Ken

[Mitchell]

Very nice Lennard, but I thik the top section is too long.
Maybe take 1/3 - 1/2 of it off?

Ken

Was thinking the same thing, though then saw the too lil' buds bursting, I would say Lennard was waiting for them.

I'd keep this one small, like Ken suggested I'd knock that leading shoot, back to just above those new buds. Or alternatively wire that branch more in line with the curves of the trunk. I'm more inclined to clip 'n' growth it, though taking the time with wire to shape it may be better.

Great lines in the trunk there.
Keep us updated mate!

[Tony Bebb]

Hi Lennard

I agree with KC and Mitchell in that the virt design is too tall. You have some nice movement there and the extra height would take away from that and also make the trunk less powerful in proportion.

I would also suggest not being so classical with the design and letting the branches come a little more upwards and outwards in keeping with the natural tree shape. Bend them early and you will get some nice movement.



Best Regards

Tony

[Mitchell]

In regards to my last comment, I some how missed the virt you supplied as well. That changes my response, obviously you have other plans for the leader, I like you virt. What I suggested was mearly an option out of many.

Cheers.

[FlyBri]

Gday Lennard!

I once spoke to Ted Poynton (do a search on his name, and you'll see how highly we regard him here) and he said that the best Australian native tree for Bonsai is M. bracteata. I think the cultivar he was using was "Revolution Gold", which looks exactly like your "Johannesburg Gold" - it could well be the same plant sold under different names to suit the local market... Despite the fact that many Oz native plants (SA native plants too, I'm sure) are drought tolerant in the ground, I find that M. bracteata benefits from a reasonably well-drained soil which is watered regularly and thoroughly.

I would also suggest not being so classical with the design and letting the branches come a little more upwards and outwards in keeping with the natural tree shape. Bend them early and you will get some nice movement.

It is a great little trunk you have there, but I have to agree with Tony that a less classical (less Japanese, less coniferous) design is in order. If you are looking for a model, I'd be looking at your local Acacias and the like: the Mel should accommodate almost any styling you choose to impose.

Thanks, and please keep us posted!

FlyBri.

[lennard]

Thanks for all the replies.

As you have suggested I will cut down the last part a little more- just waiting for the new buds to get a little stronger.

In the virt the tree is too high - I agree by shortening it the trunk will have more of an impact.

On the angle of the branches, I still have decide on what I am going to do. Not being able to grow any Pines here I am drawn to grow trees in traditional Pine-like styles - although I know they will not look good - imagine this tree looking like a pine .....with a sickly yellow color . Hopefully the tree will show me the way!

I will let the tree grow freely for a while.

Thanks again for all the replies - really appreciate it.

Lennard