Flowering Apricot

[Nate.bonsai]

I swung by the Bonsai South on the weekend and grabbed one of Leong's current batch of flowering apricots. The last of the deep pink flower specimens. My recollection is that it was grown from seed in the late 1970's and used as cutting stock over the years. However, cuttings were ceased after a while due to the very low strike rate.

From the ones that were there, it has some nice aged bark with plenty of texture and some nice movement. A few scars to be healed over. The little sprout of branches at the first big scar on the right hand side will go, I am thinking of letting the branches shoot for a few seasons and wiring them a little, so that I can make an interesting deadwood feature out of those branches and that scar. The other are all cut off flush and I will just treat so that they grow over - in time.

I am thinking of adjusting the angle as shown in the pics towards the end. Will leave everything as is until all of the flowers have opened and faded and then probably cut off the dominant branches all shooting from the apex and let some of the smaller branchlets shoot as the new leader and canopy.

Comments etc always very welcome.

Front.jpg

Front trunk.jpg

Right.jpg

Back.jpg

Left.jpg

New angle front.jpg

New angle front trunk.jpg

[Pearcy001]

Lovely stock Nate, this will be one that I follow with interest looking forward to its progress mate.

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[shibui]

That is probably the best trunk angle but it does not do much for the nebari. Bonsai design is not just about trunk. You also need to consider roots (note that roots are probably less important in flowering species than other deciduous), branches and overall canopy. Which branch do you see as the continuing trunkline?

My option would probably be the top pic which gives the best compromise with both trunk and roots and also plenty of possible apex branches.

[bodhidharma]

I would also consider leaving the very bottom branch (if it is still alive) Hopefully has a nice future. Very susceptible to gumosis and dieback so i would take care of its health.

[Bonbon]

Nate, you must be there before me. Your one is better than mine.

[Nate.bonsai]

Good point Shibui. I won't make a final decision until I have seen what is just below the surface. If I do go with my current idea of planting angle, I was thinking that the planting might have to be carefully managed so that the soil is a little lumpy rather than flat, so it looks like the tree is holding on to a little tussock (to the right). That should allow the more attractive character of the nebari not to be hidden.

Thanks Bodhi, I am certainly going to keep those branches for a couple of seasons. If they do get the chop, thanks for the heads up re gumosis and die back. I will make sure that I seal and keep an eye on the existing scars also, although they look many years old by now.

Grateful to have both of your experienced insights. Thanks.


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