Non Traditional Species-Nandina Project

plant_dr27

Yes, you can just chop these pretty much wherever you want and they should grow a profusion of branchlets from an old branch node just below that point. Take your time in shortening it to where you want it to be though. Like you said EarthgirlOK, you can't fix a bad chop. I really like the texture in the bark that the older specimens have. I think this is a good choice for an experiment with non-traditional species!
Regards,
Zach

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rockm

The trunk is extremely nice for a nandina. Plant Dr. and Chris have geat ideas on where to go with it--however Dr's pot is a bit ambitious (and dangerous horticulturally) within the next five years.

The issue you're going to be fighting with this species, however, is ramification and branching. Nandina does both reluctantly Sends up single shoots very easily though. Turnk makes this worth the battle though...maybe, until you get frustrated

EarthgirlOK

Thanks, RockM. I always look forward to your input.

I look at these a little like I look at Ginkgo trees, in that they sort of have to be allowed to grow the way they grow.

I imagine I'll fool with it until I get tired of it, as you mention, and then pass it on to someone else. Unless I fall in love with it of course.

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rockm

"I imagine I'll fool with it until I get tired of it, as you mention, and then pass it on to someone else. Unless I fall in love with it of course."

I know where you're coming from. I have a wild collected rose bonsai that is as spiteful and malicious as my last girlfriend in high school , but I love it nevertheless.

The relationship between me and the plant could be termed "abusive" and "obsessive." We should be on "Cops."

It simply does what it wants, scratches and cuts me doing it. It refuses to be tamed. It accepts some directions, reluctantly and with a fight. I keep wanting to give up on it, but it's got the most beautiful trunk...

EarthgirlOK

I think there are programs for that sort of thing...I can give you a referral.

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zen

Also it seems to me that if you skip a day from time to time in watering these, the bark will get much more fisured and textural from the shrinkage that takes place,...be carefull with this method , it seems to have worked on my tiny one,..but it has lots of room for the roots in the pot that it's in.

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WildChild

Any updates?

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EarthgirlOK

No, shamefully, it still sits in its ugly plastic halloween kettle shaped training pot.

Probably when spring comes I'l do some work on it. I have trimmed it a little bit, but nothing show worthy.

I may try and get a pic of it just for the sake of an update. But it won't look very different until spring.

It has been horribly hot here and everything in my garden is a little stressed right now.

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PatArizona

G'day Earthgirl...

Your HB looks like a very nice starter...

If it were mine...without having seen it in person...I might try something like this...

Start with major thinning of the foilage. Make it open and airy, with the branches arching gracefully upwards to form something of a flat top...like the Serengenti Style out of Africa (look for the Pretoria Bonsai Club in S. Africa). You might even find an example of a Monterey Cypress...California Coast...as in Carmel and Montery and northward.

Good luck whatever you do.

Pat

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