Manzanita "Bear Berry" - Arctostaphylos uva ursi

GibHoxie

I rescued this small specimen from a friend's garden last February (first photo) and it was healthy enough this week to take the first steps toward training it windswept style (second photo). I think it has great potential as a Shohin bonsai; the leaves and flowers are small and it buds back and ramifies tightly, so a rich, compact design should be possible. Also, it has the beautiful golden-red bark and woodc haracteristic of other Manzanitas.

I have made 11 prior attempts at manzanita bonsais, but killed them all - probably with too much water and fertilizer. I think this variety, however, likes my microclimate (coastline, morning fog in Palos Verdes, CA) and my water and feeding regimen, so am encouraged.

Now, my questions:
1) Where can I find the best guidance on keeping manzanita bonsais alive?
2) Are there any special tricks about when / how to repot them?
3) Is there anyone else out there working with bear berry manzanitas who might like to trade experiences and advice with me?

Looking forward to at least a few replies from fellow manzanita lovers...

Attached Images

	Manzanita #16 – Bear Berry 070223 small.jpg (69.4 KB, 18 views)
	Manzanita #16 – Bear Berry 070624 small.jpg (66.0 KB, 41 views)

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Gib Hoxie

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