Hello! ...and A Question...

TheBoredGuy

Hello all! I'm new to this forum, and bonsai in general. I bought a Ficus Retusa last year, and have enjoyed it greatly. My wife thinks I'm obsessed with it. I've even named it! I'm looking forward to learning a lot from the experts here.

I have a question about growing a new tree. What species should I try? Maybe a little background will help. I live in Oklahoma, and the climate is varies greatly here. In the summers, the temperature can reach 100 to 105 degrees often. In the winters, the temperature will fall to the single digits and teens. I have kept my Ficus inside (at around 68-74 degrees) since around October, and it seems to be doing quite well.

I'm looking for a tree that can handle the extreme heat that we get here in the summer, and also will survive the 4 to 5 months that it will have to spend inside every year. Pretty much the only light that it will get inside is a special plant light-bulb, but I don't know how much that actually helps.

I tried what's known as a "mimosa" tree around here earlier in the fall, but it was not working. I don't know what the exact name of it is, but it's an extremely fast-growing tree with fan-like leaves. I will probably try another seed in the spring.

I know that most conifers will fit the bill, but I would prefer a deciduous tree if at all possible. Fast growing is preferred as well. Also, I would like one that changes at different times in the year. Maybe the leaves change colors and fall off in the fall, or it blooms flowers in the spring, or it might grow fruit...who knows? Any suggestions?


P.S. - I want to post a picture of my tree, but I don't have a digital camera.

Advertisement

Jay

Good Day! You mention you are interested in obtaining more trees, ones that can live outside in your area (USDA Zone6) and then come in for the winter. May I suggest you look for trees that will live outside all year long. I live in Zone 5/6 and all my trees, less the tropicals, are in one of three places. The very hardy are in the ground with a wind block. The hardy are in a coldframe and the mostly hardy are in my unheated garage.

If you can, locate a Bonsai Club that you can go to. Learn from the members which trees can be outside in your area. You may find that native stock will be best. It is adapted to your climate and will be available at garden centers, or in the wild!

Just my .02 cents
Jay

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

TheBoredGuy

Hi Jay. Thanks for the reply. I found a pic of the leaves and the blossoms of the "mimosa" tree that I decided to grow. I think it's my best bet, because it seems to fit my needs. Fast growing, can survive the winter outside, pretty blossoms, and unique leaves...

I'll see if I can find a local club, but that's doubtful. I live in a very small town. In fact, I have trouble even finding supplies for bonsai. I have to improvise by using the local garden center.

Does anyone know what the official name is for this tree?



http://www.lotf.com/plants/trees/mimosa.jpg

Thomas_J.

Seeing as you live in Ok. and I'm in North Central Tx. our climates are pretty much the same. There are many different species of trees you can use for bonsai in this area. All tropicals will be kept indoors for the duration of the winter. All deciduous will have to be mulched in or put in an unheated garage which is what I do.All junipers and pines will be left out except for the coldest of nights when you can bring them in the garage also. We're talking maples, elms, especially the cedar elm which grows native to this area, and any garden variety juniper that you could train for bonsai will work in your area. It is imperative that you use bonsai soil, either commercially bought or prepared by yourself for your trees. It might be necessary to take a trip to wherever your closest bonsai nursery might be, even if that means coming down here to Tx. for a once in a while purchase. You can contact me by e-mail if you need some info for some nurseries in my area(DFW).
Oh and the tree you referr to as mimosa is also called Silk Tree
(Albizza julibrissin Durazz.)

__________________
Thomas J.

TheBoredGuy

Thanks for the clarification on the species of that tree.

I might check out what kind of shops OKC and Wichita offer. I don't think OKC has any, because I lived there until a few months ago. I obtained my tree down there, and the guy I talked to said he was the only one in the area that sold the trees, but he didn't sell supplies, and didn't know anyone who did.

Treebeard

I found 2 types via yahoo:

Albizia julibrissin - http://www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/syllabus/ajulibrissin.htm

and

Mimosa biuncifera - http://www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/dendro...mbiuncifera.htm

Then I found: http://www.bonsaiweb.com/care/faq/acacia.html There are links off this page related to mimosa, wattle and acacia.

I must admit to not having heard of the mimosa being used as bonsai, perhaps some of the Aussies here have experience of it, I believe the "wattle" is native there, amongst other places.

Regards,

TB

__________________
"Do not be hasty, that is my motto"
-JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers.
-----------------------------------
christopherguise.co.uk

Treebeard

aaargh, Thomas_J, you edited your post while I was writing mine!

nevermind.

Chris

__________________
"Do not be hasty, that is my motto"
-JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers.
-----------------------------------
christopherguise.co.uk

TheBoredGuy

I haven't either...but then again, I'm just a newbie. I don't know of any reason why it wouldn't though.

FredL

There was a very pretty Mimosa Bonsai entered into last year's JAL contest. Sure surprised me! It was from somewhere in Latin America; Puerto Rico, perhaps.

I have seen, from time to time, some surprizingly nice bonsai with compound leaves. They seem to favor slanting or (my mind goes blank! You know, the kind that looks like it's falling over a cliff) style. I s'pose our "Bonsai Paradigm" needs expanding. It's surprising what can be done with what most take to be pretty unpromising material when someone with determination and a creative mind goes after it!

Fred