(Natural) Leptospermum scoparium - Matt

[MattM]

I'm a novice but long time lurker of the website. When the contest deadline was extended I thought I should give it a go for a bit of fun and a learning experience. Went to the big green shed after work today and found this, my first entry-
Leptospermum Scoparium
$14


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[Rory]

Great species. I love these. I find them very hardy, except with cutting back roots.
If it were mine I would take root reduction in slow stages over time rather than going hard initially.

[MattM]

Thanks for the advice.
So how much root reduction should I do now do you think? (I was about to cut the roots in half, glad I seen your post).
Matt

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[Rory]

I actually wouldn’t do a lepto root prune now. Where about in NSW are you?
I would do them in spring. I would wait till mid spring but if you’re in more northern nsw, you can do early spring but if you’re in the colder climate, wait till mid-late spring.
For me, I leave a lot of root, but at least work the roots apart so they aren’t a giant tangled mess.
Leave a fair bit of foliage on too. And if it’s in bud, remove all the flower buds at root prune, and after root pruning.

[MattM]

I'm near Richmond in Western Sydney, so I'll leave the root prune until spring.
Thanks,
Matt

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