Anyone growing Australian conifers (Cupressaceae family)

[Notsureaboutplantnames]

I live near the arboretum at UCSC (Santa Cruz). They have a wonderful collection of Australian natives. Someone )) collected some cones and grew them out for several years before loosing track of them.

Just curious.

 

[Shibui]

I have a few Aussie species - Callitris, Dieselma. Also some non cupressaceae Aussie conifers.

 

[Notsureaboutplantnames]

Thanks. I will try to find a few I lost and also look for some more seeds.

Are there other SH plants you use? I do like some of the small leaved Grevilleas like Mt tamboritha and Coastal Gem, though these cultivars originated in the US I think?

 

[Shibui]

SH plants?

Grevillea 'Mt Tamboritha' is a form originally found on Mt Tamboritha, not too far from here.
Don't know the origin of Coastal gem but assume it is also a selection from the wild here.
Grevilleas have proved difficult as bonsai, at least for me. They are particular about root work and can't be pruned below foliage so you'll need to grow slowly and maintain shape as you go. Most of mine have declined as a result of root problems in pots.

Much easier Aussie bonsai species include: Banksia integrifolia and B. serrata; most Callistemon sp; Many Melaleuca sp; Allocasuarinas; some Kunzeas.
Ficus rubiginosa - from Eastern NSW and Qld is one of the best species for bonsai anywhere. It tolerates massive root reductions, hard pruning, dry conditions, indoor conditions, full defoliation, starvation and more and still keeps growing. It's one of the few species I know that continues to fatten even in tiny pots.

Other good species? Many still have not been trialled enough to tell.
You may find some good tips and inspiration on Victorian native Bonsai club or some of the old photo galleries from Australian Plants as Bonsai shows. Both should come up on net searches but if you can't find enough I should be able to help direct.

 

[Notsureaboutplantnames]

Wow! Thank you so much for your thoughtful and information laden reply.

I am not sure why I didn't google that but the Victorian club shows and photos are amazing.

I will look for a Ficus and we have so many Banksias, Melaleuca, Allocassuarinas (and Eucalyptus) growing around Santa Cruz I may just start some cutting of some.

Banksia spinulosa 'Schapper Point' is one of my favorite small landscape plants

 

[Shibui]

Just a note that we have found that transplant is much more successful in warmer months - late spring through summer, even if the trees are actively growing. Root pruning or transplant in cold weather usually results in poor growth and often death. In frost free areas many species can be transplanted all year round. I'll be digging some banksias in a few weeks (late spring here). I chopped them back a few weeks ago. Just waiting for the new shoots to help them recover from root cutting when I move them to pots.

Plenty of great small banksias for landscape with showy flowers all winter.
Spinulosa has not been as hardy here as B. serrata and B. integrifolia. Even though both those are naturally quite big trees they respond better to pruning. The dwarf forms are often very slow growing so can take many years to develop decent trunk and branches. Great for landscaping, not so great for bonsai.