Stubborn Fukien Tea

[Jester]

Hi there crazy kids. I have a Fukien Tea informal upright and I need 2 more branches to grow so I can complete the main shape. As you can see the problem exists on two of the bends pointing to the right about halfway up and then the next bend pointing to the right after that heading up towards the apex. I am about 99% certain I will give a whip graft a go. So my question is, how many have tried this technique and how successful was it?? I am just loading the photo, bear with me if you can't see it yet.

Many thanks


John

[Jamie]

hi john

a whip graft should work just fine on this, where you are i think timing will be important, if you can get the whip in and thread graft it just before it starts activly growing then i think you will have the graft taken within that season and then the next season you could work the branches

[Jester]

Hi Jamie, good advice. I WAS going to do it this week but I will now leave it for the middle of Spring. Thanks mate

John

[craigw60]

What is fukien tea ? Its obviously not a camellia.Do you have a scientific name so I can place it ?
Craig

[aussiedamo]

here ya go............


Carmona (genus)
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Carmona

Fukien Tea Tree flower and foliage
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae

(unranked): Angiosperms

(unranked): Eudicots

(unranked): Asterids

Order: (unplaced)

Family: Boraginaceae

Genus: Carmona


Carmona is one of the genera in Boraginaceae. Its common name is Scorpionbush.

Among bonsai enthusiasts, Carmona microphylla (or "C. macrophylla") is frequently referred to as Fukien Tea Tree; it is also known as Ehretia buxifolia or Ehretia microphylla. Favored because of the ability to develop a thick and interesting trunk, it has small white flowers almost year round that then become tiny round green, red, or black fruit. The lobed leaves are shiny dark green and maintain their small size.

[craigw60]

Thanks Aussie, I think I can work all that out.

[Jamie]

looking at this one again john, i would consider cutting back the apex and forcing it to push the bud in the right spot to start with and not have a graft union.

thats just my thoughts any ways mate

[Jester]

Hi Jamie, thanks for the feedback but I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Are you able to describe it by manipulating the graphic at all???


Cheers


John