Thanks for the comments .
This tree is actually a root cutting,two large roots that have grown together..thus the cleft that Dale mentioned.When it first started i put it in a 6" rectangle.It's now in a 24" oval.I've defoliated it once this year already(in february) and will do so once more this year.
Candy,...I have to admit that it has never looked as good as it did in that blue pot and totally naked.It's grown a bit too much for that pot now though.
Dale,....come on down and grab grampz on the way....i have a bunch of nerifolias that need defoliating...it'll be character building
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Behr,...I lost a larger branch on the inside,so at the moment it looks best imo in its leafed out state.I know exactly what you are saying thouh and maybe next time i defoliate I can see some improvement.
Sauce,....at one time this one had a higher crown.The last 2 years have been spent trying to keep the apex in check while letting the lower branches spread out and grow.I like the wider version better.
andy