Many native trees are growing strongly during summer so new shoots need regular trimming to keep the trees in shape.
Today I trimmed a Banksia integrifolia. This tree was grown from seed collected on South Coast NSW around 18 years ago.
![](https://shibuibonsai.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CH290650-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://shibuibonsai.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CH290651-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://shibuibonsai.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CH290652-1024x768.jpg)
This Melaleuca almost died from dehydration earlier in spring. It is now sitting in a tray with around 3cm of water through summer to make sure it doesn’t dry out again. It has recovered well and is now growing strongly and needed a second trim for this season.
![](https://shibuibonsai.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CH290653-1024x768.jpg)
This melaleuca grows so quick and responds to pruning so well that I generally just shear the new shoots with scissors – hedge trimming. Occasional more selective pruning helps maintain the foliage clusters and overall shape.
![](https://shibuibonsai.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CH290654-1024x768.jpg)
Shibui Bonsai has a small range of Aussie natives as starters and pre-bonsai and occasionally larger field grown specimens. We currently have a few large trunked Banksias for sale – see sample picture below. Unfortunately these are too large and too heavy to be posted so pick up or alternative delivery only.
![](https://shibuibonsai.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CH280118s.jpg)