Juniper question, for those experienced with growing habits of junipers.

bonsaijack

This question is in regards to a couple of wild junipers, juniperus, occidentalis Hooker, collected in Oregon (private property, with permission) in very early July, that I have been giving the best care possible, hoping that they would survive--so far, so good. However, since collecting them, I have noticed that they periodically have grown very short new shoots, WITH TIPS TURNING SLIGHTLY BROWN, before growing new shoots again some weeks later, with same thing happening. Now, here is my question: I noticed in an article on growing juniper cuttings that one should EXPECT the shoot tips to turn brown, etc., as I have experienced with these collected junipers, and that shows that the cuttings have formed roots and are dong well. IF that is in fact the truth, can I expect the same thing to be a fact with these collected junipers, that is, the tips turing brown, growing a bit, turning brown, etc. (only the tips, no more of the folliage turning brown), means roots are adequate and formed enough for probable survival in long run? Now, I have had parts of folliage turn brown, fall off (I expected that, to some degree, since they have gone through some shock), but a lot of nice green folliage remains, and looks better each day.

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Vance Wood

If it grows and looks green and looks better every day I think it is safe to say at least the tree is active. The key is in leaving it alone for a couple of years till it gains strength. Junipers are not what one would call rapid root growers, this is why you lose some foliage from time to time, but that alone tells you the tree is active but not able to sustain a lot of new growth. yet. Leave it alone until you get to a point where it starts to grow slightly out of control.

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The only finished bonsai is a dead one; me 1992 MABA Des Moines Iowa