Mexican pine, Pinus patula.

[treeman]

Yes I did once Grant but didn't notice much difference. It tends to put out more than one shoot with difficulty.

[Grant Bowie]

Yes I did once Grant but didn't notice much difference. It tends to put out more than one shoot with difficulty.

Some questions;

Are you sure it is Patula and not Montezuma or Halipensis?

Did you fertilize adequately?

Grant

[treeman]

Yes feeding was not a problem. Actually, it's possible that its a montezuma as that was the seeds I bought however montezuma has bluish needles so I have always assumed it was patula. But after consulting my conifer book. elliottii looks similar too so its anyone's guess. I had to tare away huge chunks of roots when I repotted this year (let it go a couple of years too long) so the needles are yellow at the moment but usually fresh grass green. Maybe I'll post a pic later in the season.

[Grant Bowie]

Yes feeding was not a problem. Actually, it's possible that its a montezuma as that was the seeds I bought however montezuma has bluish needles so I have always assumed it was patula. But after consulting my conifer book. elliottii looks similar too so its anyone's guess. I had to tare away huge chunks of roots when I repotted this year (let it go a couple of years too long) so the needles are yellow at the moment but usually fresh grass green. Maybe I'll post a pic later in the season.

Thanks.

[Scott Roxburgh]

...There are single and double flush pines but this might be one of the 2 1/2 or triple flush pines(Japanese black pine in Sydney can put out 2 1/2 flushes per year for instance; and an article I read many years ago which showed triple flushing in Southern California)...

Grant

Interesting...I had a quick google for triple flush pines but couldn't find anything do you have a copy of the article? So you cut ALL new growth in spring? Have the needles formed when the candles are cut? Adventitious buds form and open by early summer then cut again, at the base of the candle or higher up the candle?

[Grant Bowie]

...There are single and double flush pines but this might be one of the 2 1/2 or triple flush pines(Japanese black pine in Sydney can put out 2 1/2 flushes per year for instance; and an article I read many years ago which showed triple flushing in Southern California)...

Grant

Interesting...I had a quick google for triple flush pines but couldn't find anything do you have a copy of the article? So you cut ALL new growth in spring? Have the needles formed when the candles are cut? Adventitious buds form and open by early summer then cut again, at the base of the candle or higher up the candle?

An old article by an asian american I think.

It was about 30 or more years ago so not online I would think.

In a long summer season area you cut off all new candles by early summer, new buds emerge and elongate into new candles by late summer; trim these back to 4 sets of needles or so and (in Sydney you get new buds but no autumn elongation) you could get new buds and elongation if the tree is vigorous and young enough, well fertilised through the season correctly, and you live in the right climate(not Canberra or Vancouver) say Los Angeles, San Diego or possibly Port mac up to Brisbane for instance.

Grant

[Grant Bowie]

After a season of growth.

Pinus patula 1 - 4.jpg

Pinus patula 1 - 5.jpg

Pinus patula 1 - 2.jpg

Pinus patula 1 - 3.jpg

After a light trim and adjustment.

Pinus patula 1 - 7.jpg

The tree will probably now put out lots of new growth(buds) and give some extension to the untrimmed weaker inner buds.

Grant

[GavinG]

I like the way the heavily-pulled-down branches harmonise with the drooping needles. Will you be filling in the gaps in the top 1/3, or leaving them?

Gavin

[Grant Bowie]

I like the way the heavily-pulled-down branches harmonise with the drooping needles. Will you be filling in the gaps in the top 1/3, or leaving them?

Gavin

The tree has popped lots of new buds at various points all over the tree but it will take time for the new buds from old wood to extend and then be ramified. Give me about 2 to 3 years.

Grant

[Haydenmc]

update?

[Jdceng]

Hi Grant

Looks like there are two Mexican weeping pines.

I always thought that it was this that was refered to as the Mexican Weeping pine. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinus_montezumae

JC

[Grant Bowie]

update?

Doing fine. I need to do a needle pluck and do a rewire. I will then post a photo.

I think it will be a very good tree eventually; the weeping foliage matches the style and the trunk and bark are quite a feature. It also need a repot as it has not been done for maybe 10 years.

Grant

[Grant Bowie]

Hi Grant

Looks like there are two Mexican weeping pines.

I always thought that it was this that was refered to as the Mexican Weeping pine. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinus_montezumae

JC

They look very similar as well according to Wikipedia.

Grant

[Haydenmc]

Did you get any significant back budding on the wired out branches? Treated as you would an old red pine?
Thanks
Hayden

[bodhidharma]

Wow Grant, i have missed this tree completely. I think it has huge potential and will be interested in watching the development. I have a pitch pine with the same long, droopy foliage and will be making the effort to see if it can be reduced. It back buds even on the trunk so getting branching is not a problem. I am wondering if it responds the same as your specimen.