|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 03/11/2011 22:10:10
Posts: 2,
Visits: 7
|
|
| Hi everyone I am new to the forum so hi. I have a wisteria which has been growing in my garden for about 8 years. I want to remove it and train it as a bonsai as it has a really nice thick trunk. I would be grateful for replies to the following:- When should I dig it up? Should I do it while there is still some green foliage on it or should I wait until it is totally dormant? Should i put it straight into its bonsai pot or just pot it into a large, deep pot for now until training begins? When does training/ wiring begin? can I do it at the same time as I dig it up or wait a while? Thanks for any help.
|
|
|
|
|
SENSEI?
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Today @ 17:07:26
Posts: 767,
Visits: 4,559
|
|
Hello Howey,
It would be advantageous to push a sharp spade into the soil about ten inches away from the trunk all way round. This will sever the heavy roots and encourage the formation of fine feeder roots close in to the trunk which is what you want before putting it into a container. Have a large container ready and lift it in March as the new buds begin to swell. Large unwanted branches may be removed now but leave any training to shape until it is healthily growing away in it's new environment. A photograph of the material would help us to give further advice. =Don.
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.
This message has been created using 100% recycled electrons
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 03/11/2011 22:10:10
Posts: 2,
Visits: 7
|
|
| Thanks for your help. I forgot to ask what sort of soil should I use?
|
|
|
|
|
SENSEI?
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Today @ 17:07:26
Posts: 767,
Visits: 4,559
|
|
A basic bonsai mix will be fine or a potting compost with the addition of 20% non lime gravel. You should also be aware that these are thirsty trees which must not be allowed to dry out. Do you know which variety you have and where is that photo??
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.
This message has been created using 100% recycled electrons
|
|
|
|
|
Genius
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 17/02/2012 10:08:38
Posts: 254,
Visits: 836
|
|
| i dug up a wisteria on 22-2-11 & its done very well. apart from the soil clinging to the roots, it was potted up & back filled with molar clay. some pictures 
good luck with your project.
If you forget your history, you will repeat your mistakes! RoyH 
|
|
|
|
|
Genius
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 17/02/2012 10:08:38
Posts: 254,
Visits: 836
|
|
ps as Stymie says, they are very thirsty!
If you forget your history, you will repeat your mistakes! RoyH
|
|
|
|
|
Genius
Group: Administrators
Last Login: 18/02/2012 22:54:12
Posts: 758,
Visits: 3,703
|
|
Oooooooooooh that looks nice and healthy Roy  I have never tried a wisteria as bonsai, but admire them greatly. I've often wondered, in respect of pruning to keep the 'tree-shape' , how does one succeed in getting blossom 'in-proportion'? Fuchsias are comparitively easy as they flower reasonably quickly after pruning.
Kath
UK - Zone 8
"People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
But people will never forget
How you made them feel."
|
|
|
|
|
Genius
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 17/02/2012 10:08:38
Posts: 254,
Visits: 836
|
|
| Yes its had a good year Kath especially when you consider it was lifted from the ground & heavily root pruned. I have pruned the foliage as per what I have read ie about leaving flowering spurs on this years growth, but I would expect any flowers to be out of proportion to the scheme of things. My main delight is that it survived being lifted & I look forward to seeing what it does next summer. I will update as things develope.
If you forget your history, you will repeat your mistakes! RoyH
|
|
|
|
|
SENSEI?
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Today @ 17:07:26
Posts: 767,
Visits: 4,559
|
|
I'm impressed by the abundance of growth on your "recently" lifted wisteria Roy, well done.
It might be worth mentioning to people to have a tree tall enough to hold the flower racemes away from the floor.
You may remember that mine slants acutely and the flowers have their own space to dangle away from the central trunk.
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.
This message has been created using 100% recycled electrons
|
|
|
|
|
Genius
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 17/02/2012 10:08:38
Posts: 254,
Visits: 836
|
|
i do remember your wisteria Don & it being able to allow its flowers to cascade over the edge of its display bench, worth noting indeed. If mine does flower, it will be a real bonus.
If you forget your history, you will repeat your mistakes! RoyH
|
|