AusBonsai

Today I rescued 6 callistemon from the local tip... 3 for bonsai 3 for the wife...
They feel fairly root bound but have shown new seasons growth..
The question is how do I tackle these trees at this time of the year?

Good time for it! They love the warm...


Cheers
Elmar

I repot mine now and they appear to like it. It is also a good time to give them a good trim.

How hard can I trim the roots?

I usually cut mine fairly hard - around 70% reduction. Have gone as far as 90% with some trees collected from gardens. Most survive but have lost 1 'little John' which was left with no feeder roots at all. I don't use seasol and the trees go straight onto the grow benches in almost full sun after repotting but others still report success after soaking in seasol and some shade after repotting. Just shows that a range of methods will work. Leave it to you to choose which way feels right for you.

As Watto says, summer is the best time to repot callistemon so go for it.

Thanks guys looks like I've hit a bit of work to do..
I'll attack them tomorrow night and keep you posted.

Photos are good!!!!

I'll get some up shortly I don't have any before or after just fresh potted pics.
The first tree I did was double root bound it had been left in its seedling pot way to long then just potted into a 6 inch pot and overgrown that too. You get what you pay for I guess but it's oddly satisfying to give the tree a better shot at life.

The other two were in good nick root wise..
One tree had a little surprise under the soil line in a nice little trunk.
They are not big but I think they will make good little trees as long as I can get some good back budding.

Shouldn't have any issues with back budding. Both of my callis have back budded well the past few weeks