AusBonsai

I have a couple of Dwarf Book-leaf Cyprus taking up space in my front garden, that I plan to turn into a blueberry and olive grove (we are converting our garden into a food store, if it doesnt produce food it's gone). Now I dont just want to dig it out, shred it and turn it into compost as the two "trees" are about 8 feet tall and maybe 7 feet wide. I have considered taking a hord of cuttings and selling the results on to nurseries around the local area, and the idea of air rooting, and taking the massive baseal roots and some of the stem to make into bonsai. Are these species suitable for bonsai, or am I just wasting my time and effort, and just stick to the cuttings and toss the rest?.

Umm lots of people had a look at this post but no one commented, is the Cyprus any good for bonsai or should I just grow cuttings for a nursery for someone to make a hedge out of?

Hi VW , mate a pic of the foliage would be a good start , can't say i have heard of a book leaf Cypress . There are a lot Cupressus with flat foliage and some are more difficult than others to work with . Apic would help with someone whom has tried them or layers , cuttings etc .

Cheers Alpineart

I have one but their habit of upright growth is difficult to tame. Even when wired for long periods they revert back to their upright habit.

I have a beautiful little book leaf cypress that I grew from seed eight years ago, more for curiosity value than anything else, and it has turned out to be one of my better performers with no special treatment. It sits amongst my other plants, mainly maples,figs and wisteria so gets fed and watered just as they do. It has never been trimmed but was re-potted last year and only stands 15cm high. It really stands out in winter when all of the others lose their foliage. I'm currently looking at the best way to shape it but don't want to rush in and ruin it. Will keep you posted. LOU Q4818