Lace Lady

[MattA]

Scored a couple of new babies from Freecycle today, not a common bonsai subject & many would even question if they are worth the effort due to the compound leaves, Robinia pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady' is described as a dwarf cultivar with a contorted growth habit. It took 2 of us to get them in the ute but finally have them home.

100_4652rz.jpg

Growing in 60cm pots they are about 6yrs old & over 3mtrs tall. The one on the right has a single trunk of approx 18cm dia & flaring to about 30cm at soil line, it is tall & taperless but has a base worth working with. The second is about 14cm dia with very little basal flare but splits into 3 trunks close to the base, one of them will be the new trunkline. Long term projects for sure but I am stoked with my score, now to dig a couple big holes & settle them into the garden. Spring will see a few layers on each & once thats done the real fun can begin.

Matt

[MattA]

Seven pics to tell my tale

1.jpg

2.jpg

3.jpg

double deep double wide

4.jpg

5.jpg

You sexy thing

6.jpg

7.jpg

Enjoy as much as I am

Ps If anyone really needs words i will do it later
Matt

[Dario]

Nice one Matt!
I look forward to keeping a close eye on their development
My neighbour has a couple of Robinia (not the dwarf variety) and although I spend a hell of a lot of time cleaning up their leaves in autumn, I really like these trees...yet another good species from the pea family! I asked my neighbour if I could set a couple of air-layers but they said no
As soon as you posted this thread I searched for them as bonsai on google and came up with the same links as you did (sorry I didn't attach them ).
They have outstanding mature bark and I don't have a problem with their pinnate leaf structure, infact I really like it, but it will be interesting to see how the leaves reduce as bonsai.
I know from personal experience that as mature trees they tend to drop large branches relatively easily in high winds etc, but that won't be a problem as bonsai.
I trunk chopped one down to bare wood and it threw suckers mainly from the base, but it did shoot in a couple of places higher up in usuable positions.
That tree was at my Aunt's place and was destined to be taken out so they could plant more rose beds It was too big for me to use as bonsai due to limited space, but for future reference I wanted to see how it reacted to a trunk chop before it was destined for removal.
I do plan on using this species and your thread has reminded me about them so thank you and best of luck with these
Cheers, Dario.

[MattA]

Hey Dario,

Dwarf the tree after butchery stands 9' tall, the base is 14" in diameter, trunk is 6" dia at 8" high...This is only 6yrs old so yes another great one from the Fabaceae family. If I decide not to keep it as a feature tree within the garden I will be airlayering with the view to a couple of 3' trees, the foliage will be in proportion as will the trunks girth. The section in the last pic is a definite for layering once its strong enough (late spring if it responds like other Robinia).

I still have the other tree to do & from initial study I can see atleast 5 layers, I would be happy to send you one.

Matt

[Rintar]

so much for no more trees matt ha ha ha ha ha ha

[MattA]

so much for no more trees matt ha ha ha ha ha ha

Have to have long term projects & who can resist a freebie

[Dario]

Hi Matt, they look pretty damn big to me too to be described as a dwarf cultivar!

Hey Dario,
I still have the other tree to do & from initial study I can see atleast 5 layers, I would be happy to send you one.

Matt

I would absolutely love a layer Matt thanks very much
I will take a pic of a couple of majestic Robinia and put it up here in this thread if that is ok with you?
Cheers, Dario.

[MattA]

I will pick out a mailable sized piece for you, the branches are brittle but the mature bark on the trunks is beautiful. I will post some pics soon.