Gum ramification

[ben17487]

How's this for a stunning tree!

[treeman]

Superb! If only they would do that in a pot..
maculata?

This very well illustrates why I won't do eucs. All that detail in the movement of the branches which can be achieved on a maple or an elm or just about anything, cannot be achieved on a Eucalyptus.
It can't be done by wiring, only with scissors + time, and gums just won't accept cutting and growing like that. (at least not the nice ones) Or, perhaps there is a technique which has not been worked out yet??
If it CAN be achieved I would like to see it! Maybe someone slavishly working in his backyard will have something to look at in the coming few decades?

[Ryceman3]

Mmmm... not sure - like the tree itself, I'm sitting on the fence...!

Seriously though, a breathtaking tree

[Rory]

Mmmm... not sure - like the tree itself, I'm sitting on the fence...!

Superb! If only they would do that in a pot..
maculata?

This very well illustrates why I won't do eucs. All that detail in the movement of the branches which can be achieved on a maple or an elm or just about anything, cannot be achieved on a Eucalyptus.
It can't be done by wiring, only with scissors + time, and gums just won't accept cutting and growing like that. (at least not the nice ones) Or, perhaps there is a technique which has not been worked out yet??
If it CAN be achieved I would like to see it! Maybe someone slavishly working in his backyard will have something to look at in the coming few decades?

Mmmm... not sure - like the tree itself, I'm sitting on the fence...!

Seriously though, a breathtaking tree

I happily accept this fun challenge good sir.
Just a little FYI for those tinkering with gums, yes there is merit to Mike's criticism of gums. But I believe it all boils down to species selection. I am confident I can get natural movement and ramification like that in the above photos using many of the gums that I am growing. (many years to develop though), as I wouldn't dare cut back a gum branch outside [mid-spring to late summer] for fear of die-back. So yes, it does take a while longer than other species, and some gums that I have attempted to trunk chop just die-back right to the base

But with time and experience you develop an understanding of which species are better to pursue and which ones are better left alone.

Like other members on here the problem isn't so much developing ramification, but keeping the young foliage pest-free.

[treeman]

But with time and experience you develop an understanding of which species are better to pursue and which ones are better left alone.

But there are so many ugly gum species. Which one is working? Most have huge leaves, the mallies (and probably all with a lignotuber are no good). Then, just when you think you have a branch, it falls off...

[treeman]

I persisted with an angophora costata for 10 years. Now it's in my garden and 10 metres high. Most of the euc bonsai I've seen look like a branch stuck in a pot.

[Max]

so should i give up on my Blakelys red gum and snow gum?

[kcpoole]

so should i give up on my Blakelys red gum and snow gum?

Nope. keep on with them and enjoy workign with them.
Bonsai does not have to exactly mimic a mature full sized tree but in miniature.
I have seen many wonderful Eucs, corymbia etc on this forum and in real life.

Ken

[Boics]

Stunning indeed!

[bonborn]

I am working on a gum as well and the lower branches keep on dying when I try to grow the top. So annoying.

[bonsaeen]

Thought i'd share a few shots too.

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[Max]

so should i give up on my Blakelys red gum and snow gum?

Nope. keep on with them and enjoy workign with them.
Bonsai does not have to exactly mimic a mature full sized tree but in miniature.
I have seen many wonderful Eucs, corymbia etc on this forum and in real life.

Ken

Thanks Ken I'll keep persevering...I'll try to post a pic of my little gum 2moro...just wondering about lignotuber...i take it that as my stick grows the lignotuber will eventually meld into the trunk, showing no signs years on?

[Matt S]

This very well illustrates why I won't do eucs. All that detail in the movement of the branches which can be achieved on a maple or an elm or just about anything, cannot be achieved on a Eucalyptus.
It can't be done by wiring, only with scissors + time, and gums just won't accept cutting and growing like that. (at least not the nice ones) Or, perhaps there is a technique which has not been worked out yet??
If it CAN be achieved I would like to see it! Maybe someone slavishly working in his backyard will have something to look at in the coming few decades?

Early days yet but this is a camaldulensis I grew from seed about 10 years ago. I've had no problems wiring as long as I kept a close eye on any strong upward growth on the wired branch. Currently this tree is showing a mix of large and small leaves as I've let it grow a bit over mid summer, but if I wanted to show it off I''d be removing the large leaves and softening the overall appearance. This is a modest tree but it's proven to me that the leaves can be reduced and branches can be manipulated.

red gum.jpg

red gum close.jpg

I still reckon Eucalypts are worth a go. If nothing else they are the trees in nature that inspire me the most.

Matt.

[Max]

looking good Matt

[PeterH]

I think with the wright Technics and time the ramification is achievable. Traditional Japanese Technics are good for Japanese trees but the eucalypts requires a different approach. I have Traditional Bonsai but get the most satisfaction from the challenge of Australian natives,particularly eucalypts.

This passion for eucalypts was cemented on a recent stint in a Japanese nursery were I only worked on high quality black pine,White pine or juniper.

Regards,

Peter