Hardwood Cuttings.

[Bretts]

At the bonsai by the harbour workshop weekend there was instruction of a prunus tree that was able to have hardwood cuttings taken of considerable size.The problem I have is I can't remember what type of tree it was. I Tried some various up to 6cm hardwood cuttings last winter. They seemed to try hard but I am only left with two maybeys at the moment. Sping varigated elm and the purple leaf ornamental plum.
The tree from the demo is pictured below. From memory it is a two year cutting. Any guesses what it is

prunus.jpg

These are mainly Prunus cerasifera or purple leaf plum. The bathroom worked well during winter but They may have needed better care after they went to thye shade house in spring. I guess I should have removed the flowers to save energy for the cuttings but I was using any advantage for the wife to let me keep them in there. I am very keen to try this species as bonsai.
I would love a heater and mister.

winter cuttings.jpg

[Steven]

You must have a very tolerant wife Brett!

Any tips on getting cuttings of that size to take? Did you use any rooting hormones or honey?
I have used a large reptile heat pad before to help strike cuttings. Worked a treat! Now if only I knew where I left it

S.

[Bretts]

Hey anyone who puts up with me must be very tolerant
I used medium strength powder rooting hormone( i could not find the strong) I used most sizes up to 6 cm. The spring varigated elm is still sprouting leaves but I am unsure if there are any roots. The two purple leaf plum I have left may be dieing at the moment.
I am mainly after advice on doing better.

[Asus101]

Dont let them flower, it takes strength away. I did it on a newly collected apricot and its not looking good. I was told that was the issue.

[Bretts]

I should have removed the flowers to save energy for the cuttings but I was using any advantage for the wife to let me keep them in there.

Hmm?

[Asus101]

Bahhh humbug.

[Pup]

Hey Soltan howed ya go with Elvis this weekend?

Try your cuttings in a polystyrene vegie box with a clear perspex lid, that is what I have done in the past.
The styrene gives warmth in winter and cool in summer. I will be doing a Bottle brush in the next few weeks, that has rather an interesting branch I am going to take out. Yes I know no OH s#*t too late I will post I am looking for some early shots of the tree.
You should never let anything that you are developing have flowers!!.

The Satsuki masters will not let one flower till it is 10 years old!!
That is what you read. Some I have seen in flower would be lucky to be 4 years old.

[Bretts]

Thanks Pup I need to get better organised for this next year and stop looking at the pretty flowers.
We had a strange busy weekend and did not even see the parade but I hear the Elvis weekend was bigger than ever.

ANY IDEAS WHAT THE POTTED TREE UP TOP IS

[aaron_tas]

try prunus spinosa soltan,

it's a weed down here, has green leaves and a small sour berry.

[Bretts]

I picked the memory of a friend that attended the workshop(they were given some offcuts that have mostly taken) and I agree with them that it is manchurian pear. I new it was not one of the most thought of fruits used in bonsai.
Now I need to find a mature specimen.

[Laethe]

that it is manchurian pear.

I picked up a very young one of these a few weeks back and have not found a heap of information on them as bonsai.

Any info you pick up would be great to hear