Satsuki Whips

[Scott Roxburgh]

I have been looking all over the internet for a grower of satsuki whips In Aus and unfortunately I have been unable to find any. Does anyone here know of these whips being grown commercially?

As I am yet to find what I am after I have started growing cuttings into whips myself.

I have taken cuttings and limited light fromt the sides by using a collar, has anyone tried this or any other techniques out?

Scott.

[Leigh Taafe]

Hi Scott,

I have 100's of satsuki - many in 4 inch containers - you would have seen the stock.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Scott Roxburgh]

Thanks Leigh,

Have they been grown into whips or are they just young stock?

I am presently reading 'Bonsai Techniques for Satsuki' by John Naka and in the book he shows that the young 2 year old plants have been grown into whips around 60cm tall and then wired to produce wonder shapes.

Do you know of the technique to go from young stock plants to whips that can be wired in this fashion?

Scott

[Leigh Taafe]

Hi Scott,

They are not specifically grown as whips, but with a bit of selective pruning you would have some well on their way. I also have many cutting that are overdue to be separated into their own pots come spring.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Leigh Taafe]

Hi Scott,

Here is a before and after of one of the azaleas. I sell these for $5 in a 4" pot.

Before:

SatsukiWhip1.jpg

After:

SatsukiWhip2.jpg

SatsukiWhip3.jpg

Is this what you were thinking of doing? If wrapped in raffia (or rubber tubing) you would be able to get much harsher bending.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Asus101]

you got any tridents like that Leigh?

[Leigh Taafe]

Yes mate - but not many left. Plenty coming on next year when I separate the seedlings.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Asus101]

Yes mate - but not many left. Plenty coming on next year when I separate the seedlings.

Cheers,
Leigh.

hmmmm..... how many is not many?

[Leigh Taafe]

Maybe 8 or 10

[Scott Roxburgh]

Sorry for the late reply Leigh, I went away with work and didn't have internet access.

Yeah they are more or less what I was looking for, maybe a bit taller but they would do, i'll just give them a few more years growing on. What types of Satsuki are they? Do you have many different types? I'll have to come around and have a look on Sunday.

[Leigh Taafe]

G'day mate,

I have "Yochiyo", "Osakazuki", "Saotome", and "Koryu"

I also have two other varieties, however, I need to have them identified. One is a purple/blue flower, the other has pink and white.

Cheers,
Leigh.