Literati privet - Don't laugh :lol:

[kvan64]

Well I was about to chop it down sometime ago but then saw some movement in it. Will it make a decent literati after a few years? I can always chop it down later if it doesn't.

Edit: Add pic

[MelaQuin]

Why laugh? You have a good start. Your only problem is keeping privet foliage in a sparse mode but you can always do a heavy prune just before you bench it once it develops. I'd like to see a bit more movement in a couple of the straighter sections but I don't think you will budge the lower one tho the upper might be able to get a bit more curve. But overall you have done quite well with the material. Good on you.

[kcpoole]

I was think the same Melaquin

Nice trunk line there and all you need to do is remove the end branches back to the first dangly cluster of leaves and then control it's growth

Put in a nice pot and bobs your uncle

Ken

[anttal63]

Yeah kev its worth a go especially if there's a larger spread underneath the soil. Good pick up mate!

[kvan64]

Thanks Mel, Ken and Antt. I thought people would laugh because of the species which is known to have quick grow. I did attemp literati with a swampy and did have a few good laughs from viewers. I will adjust the curve, branches and expose more base as suggested.

[craigw60]

Hi Kvan, Your tree has great trunk movement and huge potential. It may look a little better if it you stood it up just a bit and remember to be very restrained with the branch structure.
Craig

[MelaQuin]

I agree about altering the angle when you repot it. I think you have to play with that to see what's best but at the moment is looks as tho it is falling over a bit. But that's just small stuff that will be sorted when repotting time comes. I see it in a freeform pot but I think you might have to kiss a few frogs before you find the right prince.... Mind you... looking at the photo just after I posted it, it could be the angle you have taken the shot. Give it another go and repost. This tree is interesting.

[bodhidharma]

That is excellent. I cannot see any reason why this wont make a nice tree. They develop nice tight foliage pads and the one problem i see is, if you are not diligent enough with your pruning regime it will get straggly on you

[Mitchell]

Interesting bark, nothing like the privett around me. I assume there are different types of privett?
The privett I have always retains a smooth lighter coloured bark.

Nice work!

[Gary Bee]

G/day! Mitchell,

Brilliant! Mitchell,
Your tree is certainly nothing to lol about.
You have great material there to style something exciting.

Your post had me reflect as to why I did not think of literati privet earlier in my collecting

You could cause a rethink of priorities among the teachings to beginners when building their collection of Bonsai.

Literati Privet. Just think about it for a moment

1. Smaller pots
2. Less soil
3. Less Gravel
4. Less Moss
5. Less fertiliser
6. Less bench space
7. Less watering
8. Easier to transport/carry
9. Minimum foliage for trimming, defoliation etc etc
10. MORE TIME TO SPEND ON MORE INTERESTING and perhaps more worthy bonsai projects!!

Please keep us posted with your development of the tree.

Well Done, mate!
<](:-))

[Gary Bee]

Hey! kvan64,

My above post was really meant for you; please accept my apologies, mate.

Mitchell, my apologies to you also.

I must have been at the height of a communication brainstorm, eh?
Careful, guys, we have these moments to distract us occasionally.
(They come more frequently with age, so they tell me, but I don't have to worry about that for another few years yet) eh?

I hope no harm.

regards.
<](:-))

[kvan64]

Hi every1, I have just changed the potting angle, did a bit of TLC and rewired the small branches. Definitely can't win the current Literati Contest but I did have fun with the idea

[Amanda]

What a transformation, you're going to have an amazing literati once those pads fill out

[craigw60]

Hi Kvan, I love those bunjin trees with branches that fall dramatically, I reckon you have done a great job. You will have to work hard on the foliage so it doesn't get too lush.
Craig

[Glenda]

I love it! I just have one teensy suggestion, though. I think it would look better on my bench.................

Glenda