|
bonsaiTALK Master Craftsman
Join Date: Feb-2005
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 814
|
Delayed Budding on Carpinus caroliniana
I purchased an Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) early this Winter, and already being familiar with the repotting habits of the grower (terrific guy, just overwhelmed) I knew that it needed immediate blackbelt repotting. The hornbeam was collected from a boggy area 12 years ago and is probably under 20 years old. It is currently a graceful 12 inches tall. I was further prompted to repot it because of the derth of active buds, perhaps 20 in all. My thinking was that getting the tree into a healthier mix would strengthen the tree.
When I repotted it in mid-February I found a lot of the original "field" soil/mud under the trunk. Despite the mud, it was nearly root bound with a large horse-collar where his mix was. I cut this out, untangled roots, and carefully washed the rootball. The finished root ball had, in my opinion, a great deal of fine roots. I covered the soil with sphagnum and kept it in a shady part of my bench.
Having said all that, the problem is that the buds are not breaking. Everything else on my bench is budding out but this hornbeam. The branches are still wick... determined using the scratch test. But the budding is so delayed I'm getting worried now. Highs are 80-85° F. this week...more than enough to break dormancy. I'm thinking of spraying it down with Wilt-Pruf.
Anyone have thoughts on handling delayed budding?
TIA,
Jim
|