Wanted: Experienced Hornbeam opinions

sauce

I've been growing various species of saplings and potensai for over 2 years and have now decided that I want a 'trunk'. Looking on the growing grounds.com site I have found a Korean Hornbeam that I like. Question is I have read of the hornbeam having issues with branch die back. Being as I have little bonsai experience but quite a few years of horticultural experience would you recommend this tree for me? Or is it a risky gamble not worth taking? I certainly don't want to buy a tree to see the branches die off. Of course this is also assuming that it will grow well here in Fl. which I think it will? Opinions of experience will be greatly appreciated.

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"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that's why they call it the present." Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) Thanks for the flag Zen!

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JohnQuinn

In general, I think Marc sells some nice trees.

I have two Korean hornbeams, one with a base of around 6 inches, one about 3 or 4 inches. I have had each for at least several years. I have had no problems with branch die back, and they have been without serious pest or disease problems.

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rockm

Depends on the species and how long it's been containerized from what I've seen.

I have an imported Korean hornbeam specimen with a six inch or so nebari I bought about 12 years ago. I have had increasing problems with lower branches weakening and dying back in the last few years, after initially having excellent backbudding and branch growth. The ramification I built up over a decade began receding a bit three or four years ago. I have stopped pinching and pruning it for the last two years. The branches have regained vigor now. I've heard that KH starts to weaken over time in pots and needs periods of recovery.

I also have worked with collected Carolina hornbeam. They tend to be hardier and tougher than KH, in my opinion, but they're very reluctant to close big wounds. Usually trunk chops can take five or more years to heal depending on the trunk diameter. They do seem to push new buds from the trunk more easily than KH and tend to root more vigorously.

I would be a little cautious of huge price tags on large collected carolina hornbeam turnks, unless they are exceptional with alot of movement and closing or closed chops. Prices for sizeable KH are high, but the trunks that are or have been brought in, are usually pretty nice and have to have branching grown out.

sauce

Thank you John and Rockm. I plan to email Marc for more info and pics of the two that I am interested in, in the meantime would you care to give your opinion of these two? http://www.thegrowinggrounds.com/gallery/gallery.htm I am considering #16 or #60. Your replies have settled the branch die-back issue as far as I am concerned. They will do well for several years but down the road may need some R&R time. That takes away the fear factor, thanks. One other question. Would the Korean thrive in Florida? We do not get a 'cold' dormancy as you probably know, my C.elms don't even drop their leaves in winter. Is this a potential problem with the Korean species or would it, in your opinion, adapt well to this climate? Or should I get a small inexpensive one first as an experiment? My C.elms thrive without dropping leaves but at the same time my Trident maples drop leaves and they do grow but they do not, IMO really thrive here. Can the KH take the heat here?

__________________
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that's why they call it the present." Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) Thanks for the flag Zen!

rockm

I would not get a specimen quality KH right off the bat if it's destined to live in Fla.

This species requires a cold dormancy. It will sulk and/or die without it. If elms stay evergreen, it's probably too warm for this species.

Another issue, KH get severe sunburn even here in Va. in the summer--even with limited direct sun exposure. This is made worse by high summer temps. I would think that would be another big obstacle.

If you're set on a KH, get starter sized trees. Keep them for a few years. See how they do before sinking $400 into a specimen tree.

I would go with a native hornbeam species in your area.

sauce

Thanks Rockm that's exactly what I was wondering about. I really like those trunks. Oh well, maybe I'll try a seedling to see how it fares here. Or look at a different species.

__________________
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that's why they call it the present." Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) Thanks for the flag Zen!

rockm

By the way, those are both nice trees on the Growing Ground site...Prices aren't bad either.

If I were looking for sizeable deciduous specimen trees in Fla., I would not go North to find them . I would go west along the Gulf--to La. and Texas. You're staying more in the "compatibility zone" if you do that and will probably have more luck with trees that will be relatively problem free in Fla.

For instance, Guy Guidry at
http://www.bonsainorthshore.com/bon..._site_index.htm
probably has some interesting stuff. In particular, I'd see if he had bigger native hackberry, cedar elm, or other S.E. native specimen deciduous species on hand. It might be worth a telephone call to see exactly what he has, as the web site changes very little. He sells on Ebay and has listed some very nice native species there from time to time that have not been on the web site. I've also seen him in person at the Bonsai Convention in D.C. a couple of years back. Very nice trees...not cheap though, but not "hack and run" jobs either.

There are also a few sellers in Texas with some nice stuff...

JohnQuinn

Of the two trees you posted, I like the cheaper one (#60) better. It has better movement and taper, IMO. Suprisingly, I haven't seen much trouble with leaf scorch here in SC, although they do get a midday break from the sun.

Some local club members should be better able to help you with hornbeam's chances in FLA. I know Rob K. has had poor results trying to grow Trident maples.

__________________
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

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