Whats with my korean hornbeam

legatoistheman

I was checking my plants today to see if they needed watered. I looked at my korean hornbeam and i noticed that some, not all of the new leaves on the tree were huge compared to the old leaf growth? Does anyone know what the cause of this could be and how i can stop it.

The big leaves are mainly on the bottom branches of the tree. The tree is nowhere near bonsai form yet, as i have to cut it back next spring, but does anyone know what i can do now to stop the leaves from getting so big when it does bud in the spring?

thanks
Legato

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Alasdair

Worry about leaf reduction later. It looks like this tree is a good few years away from being bonsai so big leaves are a good thing. It allows the tree to photosynthesise more, providing more energy for growth.

I'm not overly familiar with hornbeam, but when you eventually get it into a smaller pot root restriction will aid leaf reduction along with staving the tree a little of water and fertiliser in the spring.

Al

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wabashene

Hi Legato,

Any change in growing conditions seems to affect Euro. beech, Some elm and hornbeam quite a lot in my experience.

Seems like leaves take 3-4 growing seasons to begin reducing significantly in ter pot based on beeches and hornbeams I'm working on, but conversely they seem to INCREASE massively in only the second season after being planted out.

Have also noticed that radical pruning on beech (fagus sylvatica) and hornbeam seems to produce monstrous leaves in the next season.

I brought a copper beech in from the field this year, hard pruned it and have these great big elephant's ear things on it (3 x last year's size @ 6-8") which I removed for the most part to let the secondary flush of leaves take over.

Conversely, I tranferred a pot grown Euro Hornbeam to my field winter 04/05.

This year it grew monster leaves but is developing a good root flare and the vertical veins typical of this species at the same time so I've cut it back.

Eventually, when it's in a pot, you should be able to defoliate the Korean Hornbeam around May to get a second crop of smaller leaves if it continues to be a problem down the line.

TimR

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rockm

You shouldn't be worried about large leaves. The tree needs to grow some. Large leaves are a response to lower light conditions, more root run, etc. They aren't a bad thing necessarily. If you're planning on letting this tree get some heft in the trunk, don't obsess about bonsai care now. Just let it go. You actually WANT big leaves and robust growth. I would not trunk chop this tree for another five years (or more).

I would let it develop a bigger root systems also. Korean hornbeam have weaker root systems. They need alot of time to develop a strong root system. Larger leaves and new growth indicates the plant is pushing new roots to support that growth.

Don't be so anxious about development. This tree could take some time. They are worth the trouble, as they make great bonsai subjects.