How To Shape This Azalea?

Greggles

As you can see, this shrub has quite large leaves for the size of this trunk. It has been growing in the ground for 8 years until I pulled it out recently.

Can anyone give me any ideas on how to shape this?

Attached Images

azalea.jpg (64.1 KB, 306 views)

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Walter_Pall

Greggles,

I know this will shock you, but it is very sincere! This is how a professional would cut the tree. When? Right away, today. That much all at once? Yes!
Azaleas are the most backbudding trees. As long as you leave the rootball alone the tree will respond with dozens of new buds within three weeks. In six weeks it will look like a little tree already. Then you cut out everything tht does not look like you like it. In three to five years you wil have a cute little azalea.
If you read the books they will tell you all sorts of times to do something or not to do it. This dose not apply for this tree. It only aplies if you want flowers. You don't want flowers within the next five years. If you wna some, buy yourself another azela which is not meant to become a bonsai.

best regards
Walter Pall
http://walter-pall.de

Attached Images

azalea2.jpg (69.8 KB, 300 views)

Greggles

I was thinking something like this...
Use these two branches

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Greggles

then using these two branches

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a2.jpg (50.4 KB, 288 views)

Greggles

would it be possible to get rid of all the leaves and still have it back bud so that it'll grow smaller leaves?

Bart Thomas(deceased)

I think you are missing Walter's point. Cut your tree way back, as he suggests. Then grow it. This is a time you want vigor, and you should NOT be concerned about leaf reduction.

David Yedwab

Let me try to explain what I think Walter is recommending -- a case truly where less is more. Cutting it way back now will make the tree appear to be a much bigger and more mature tree - eventhough it is much smaller. The new vegetative growth will in only a few years, give you the opportunity to have an outstanding bonsai. Training it like you are suggesting will leave you with a long thin young bush -- not bonsai. But, it is yours, do what you want.

__________________
David Yedwab

Greggles

Well, after alot of research, and taking all the advice into consideration, this bonsai newbie has finally taken the leap of faith.

Btw..it's almost autumn..so I hope it'll be ok.

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Greggles

also..do I just leave it in the shade now?