Grafting for bonsai?

[Hornet]

I'm wondering whats the best, most inconspicuous methon of grafting, somethin g that will produce plants good enough for bonsai without any major swelling or scarring at the graft site. If the method depends on the species, banksia is what i'm looking at working with, grafting WA species onto easier to grow eastern species.

John

[shibui]

I have not yet attempted banksia grafts. I have done a few grevilleas and eremophilas as well as plenty of exotics, some as bonsai.
If the trunk is allowed to thicken almost any graft will all but disappear in time. Even an approach graft will disappear eventually. I find whip and tongue the neatest graft and the sloping union looks more natural if the bark is slightly different on stock and scion.
The lower you can graft the better as the union becomes hidden in the root/trunk junction as it grows.
To avoid scion growing thicker than stock I'd use a vigorous stock - maybe serrata. Ericifolia might tend to stay thin while the scion thickened more?
Sometimes, for no apparent reason, some grafts just swell badly - certainly not due to method or species as I have had good and bad results with the same species and graft method. I'd try a few and hope for at least one good one.
Let us know how you go. I was going to try grafting for some other natives so would be interested in your results.

[Hornet]

Thanks mate, a couple i will probably try as seedling grafts, any tips on attempting that? I was thinking of using integrifolia as the stock as its the easiest for me to get hold of and seems to be quite vigorous.

John