Potential?

[Mitchell]

Thanks for the reply Mojo. I agree whole heartedly, especially "does not appear to have much design value."

That is what first attracted me to this species. A clump forming base that shoots thin very feminine straight trunks, indeed a challenge for even the most experienced.

If we are going to destroy all "weeds", better call out the privet owners too.

I do not believe it is a "Asparagus aethiopicus", more-so a "Asparagus Myriocladus" very different plant indeed.



Common name: Ming fern
Botonical name: Asparagus retrofractus

A slow growing perennial. This exquisite evergreen fern grows from 5 to 6 feet tall. Great containers or bonsai plants. Thrives in part sun to shade. Makes an excellent patio or house plant. 'Ming Fern' produces small white flowers in spring and summer.

[Sean M]

As per Mitch's request I have a couple more pics of the trunks. If I get the chance I'll clean it up around the base and thin it out a bit

03012011373.jpg

03012011374.jpg

[MattA]

As i said in my original post

Never be real bonsai but can make great accents.

This is not aethiopicus, I mentioned i have been growing one for 9yrs.. this may be where some confusion has come in.

I think your right Mitchell about it being retrofractus and yes it is a perrenial.. but which part.. the roots....canes are replaced every 2yrs .. The canes do not thicken at all once fully extended, if the plant is underfed & rootbound like this one you get thin trunks, if its well fed & plenty of room (eg in the ground) it produces the thick trunks seen on some.

As bamboo can be bonsai so can this... having said that, most will only ever accept it as an accent at most... as long as your happy to grow it I say why not.. there are many plants (including the aforementioned asparagus aethiopicus) on my benchs that would not be considered bonsai material... I dont care.. I like them, enjoy growing them & thats all that matters.

Matt

[Sean M]

As i said in my original post

Never be real bonsai but can make great accents.

This is not aethiopicus, I mentioned i have been growing one for 9yrs.. this may be where some confusion has come in.

I think your right Mitchell about it being retrofractus and yes it is a perrenial.. but which part.. the roots....canes are replaced every 2yrs .. The canes do not thicken at all once fully extended, if the plant is underfed & rootbound like this one you get thin trunks, if its well fed & plenty of room (eg in the ground) it produces the thick trunks seen on some.

As bamboo can be bonsai so can this... having said that, most will only ever accept it as an accent at most... as long as your happy to grow it I say why not.. there are many plants (including the aforementioned asparagus aethiopicus) on my benchs that would not be considered bonsai material... I dont care.. I like them, enjoy growing them & thats all that matters.

Matt

Thanks for your input Matt. I'll be coming to you for tips and tricks on what I should do during various phases of reconstruction. Now all I need is for the mod to move this discussion to the accents folder!