Azalea - advice appreciated.

[harvestmoon]

Hi All

Ok - I'm a total beginner at bonsai, and I impulse purchased an azalea. (I also got a ficus, but that's a different post!). I was told it was 5 years old, although after reading the forums I realise the plant age actually has little to do with bonsai!

I am hoping someone may be able to advise me the best way to proceed. I realised when I bought it that it may not be a traditional bonsai (I dont think the trunks are right) but that doesn't worry me overmuch. I liked the roots and the overall shape, so I bought it anyway. It currently has no wiring.

I'd like some advice on how to style it to give the best effect, and what time of year would be best to prune it. It has a lot of smaller branches, which at the moment give a nice rounded look, but am happy to try something new with it if it will reach a more satisfactory result. I am not adverse to repotting into a growing pot to try and get a bit more size on the trunk either, if that would help it along.

So.......should I repot it? And should I alter the style with pruning/wiring?

I dont actually have a local club , or I would take it there, so I'm trying to read both online and books to find out how best to proceed. Many thanks for your help in advance.

Kristy

[kcpoole]

Hi Kristy
Check out the When do I page on the wiki for some info on when to do stuff.

Azaleas should be reopotted after flowering ( october usually). but can be pruned almost any time for shape, although do not cut them after christmas if you want them to flower the following year.
Things to watch is multiple branches and shoots coming from the one location. This will cause sweling and reverse taper at the Whorl. See the branch on the right of your tree for an example. in my virt i have cut most of these out so it does not swell.

Take outthe extra branches and then I cut back to 1 or 2 sets of leaves and then let them regrow. This will build ramification inot the branches. by repeating this process several times.

With azaleas, if you want to display the flowers, you need to build platforms to hold them so they get light in to develop buds

Ken

[harvestmoon]

Thanks heaps Ken.

Much appreciated. I am looking at heaps of pictures and progressive shots of bonsai to try and 'see' how they can be opened up. Will check out the wiki.

Thanks again,
Kristy

[Barry1]

Like the Virt Ken

Barry