AusBonsai

Sometimes you just get lucky!
A lady wanted a couple of old bottlebrush removed from near her driveway as she was sick of cutting them back. I volunteered for the job at no charge - what a gentleman?
I really need to expand my knowledge about these now I have a couple of promising trees.
I really like tree 2 as it has some natural movement, but tree 1 could have some movement too depending on where it is cut. There are both currently in recovery and I am hopping for success.

Nice score Watto they look real nice and both have quite different bark
You are a gentleman in every way

Ken

Hello gentlemen.
Real nice Watto.
Are you starting a nursery? Where are you putting all these trees? And none to small either.

Mick

Sometimes you just cant say no to a lady. If these two survive, they will be something - but I will need to do some research into callistemon's to bring them to "beauty".

hey watto, Start you research on our Wike page for Callistemon here, https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... allistemon

As you develop these, Document what you do real well so we can add this thread as well

Ken

Thanks Ken, I did have a look at the Wiki page and associated posts. I am inclined to go with Grant Bowie's theory as his growing conditions are very similar to ours.
I did wash all the old dirt off before potting (just like Pup said). Maybe bare rooting is the key?

I was told by the previous owner that these were Captain Cook. The only Captain Cook as bonsai I have seen is the one at the National Collection and the leaves on that one appear to be a bit larger that these.
Could anyone give me a clue to the species please?

I'd say its a C. viminalis of some description, may well be captain cook, the one in the national collection may have just had its leaves reduced.

John

Very nice score Watto . Isn't volunteer work such a good thing and so rewarding .Cheers Alpine