Hawthorn (Washington?)

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JaseH
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Hawthorn (Washington?)

Post by JaseH »

I picked this guy up on the weekend, not knowing what it was, but there was something about it that attracted me - the maple like leaves and trunk texture. I've since done some research and believe its a Washington Hawthorn?

It hasnt really had any training and not knowing much about them I thought I would post it up for some feedback? I like the twin/twin tunk but there's something not right - maybe how the left trunk crosses? It also obviously needs shortening and some branch development.

Current Front:
Image

Base & trunk detail:
Image

Back - not as interesting:
Image

Foliage:
Image

From what I've read, the best time of year to work on these is late autumn when the leaves drop off - does this sound correct? I was thinking of shortening the trunks back to just above a low branch and possibly removing the far left trunk altogether(not sure on this though). Trim any remaining branches right back to try and encourage new branching in spring and then develop from there. Something along these lines:

Quick virtual:
Image
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Hawthorn (Washington?)

Post by MoGanic »

Hi mate,

I think your virtual is an excellent choice for the direction.

Often in Bonsai things are considered in odd numbers. This may be why you see 4 trunks as a little off. Having three trunks helps meld the final composition together as one tree, whereas four makes it look like two trees which have been placed together.

Regards,
Mo
Last edited by MoGanic on March 17th, 2014, 2:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Hawthorn (Washington?)

Post by joshw »

I'm a fan of the virtual as well, three trunks seems to suit the tree better.

Josh
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Re: Hawthorn (Washington?)

Post by kcpoole »

Definitely only keep 3 trunks :yes:
The shorter trunk also looks nicer.

Like any deciduous I think major root work in winter/spring.
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... e=Hawthorn

Do hawthorn bleed when big cuts made? If so then avoid doing so thru winter.
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... hould_I%3F

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JaseH
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Re: Hawthorn (Washington?)

Post by JaseH »

Great, sounds like I'm on the right track then. :cool:

Not sure about the bleeding - maybe someone else has some experience with them?
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Re: Hawthorn (Washington?)

Post by Gerard »

Much nicer species than the regular hawthorn, autumn colour is fantastic
mine seem fairly slow to develop they have been in grow pots for two years now
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