James W.
Chumono
Unknown variety from the clearance rack. We'll see if I can keep it alive for 5 years.
James W. Azalea 2020-2025 Contest Entry
- Thread starter James W.
- Start date
Deep Sea Diver
Imperial Masterpiece
Looks like a great azalea to start with and to learn on to me!
No tags? Likely with data on the time it blooms next year and what the flowers look like, you’ll get a much better idea about its variety.
Cheers
DSD sends
No tags? Likely with data on the time it blooms next year and what the flowers look like, you’ll get a much better idea about its variety.
Cheers
DSD sends
James W.
Chumono
It is one of four labeled "Gumpo White" but this one is different. Bigger, fuzzier, darker green leaves and more upright growth.
Deep Sea Diver
Imperial Masterpiece
Good observation. It looks leggy for a slow growing Gumpo to me.
Two possibilities..., Either diversity in genetics at work, or diversity in placement of nursery tags!
Either way it’s on with the show. We'll know more in 10 months .
Cheers
DSD sends
Two possibilities..., Either diversity in genetics at work, or diversity in placement of nursery tags!
Either way it’s on with the show. We'll know more in 10 months .
Cheers
DSD sends
Pitoon
Imperial Masterpiece
Welcome to the contest! Be sure to post progression pics as you move forward.
James W.
Chumono
James W.
Chumono
bunjin
Mame
- Yes, it will help. You can use raffia or plastic tie wrap, or even cording. One of our club members came up with the idea to use cording(I use manila) which works well for thicker trunks. I attach a photo of an exhibit I made to show all three methods and also my class demo plant w/o any wrapping. The bends on thicker whips cannot be as tight, of course. Also per Naka's book, using 2 or 3 wires reduces the chances of breaking the whip.
- I would wire it as soon as possible because it is only getting thicker and this is the period when it is adding girth / will take a set.
- Also letting the azalea dry out short of wilting before you do the wiring will make the trunk more pliable.
- Taking off the wires as soon as possible after the whip is set is critical to prevent scars that never really disappear BTW, and wrapping allows more tolerance in the timeliness of the removal.
bunjin
Mame
P.S. Cannot tell for sure, but your azalea has the possibility of doing a twin or triple trunk
James W.
Chumono
Trimmed and wrapped:
I used 3 layers of grafting tape to wrap the trunk. Something stronger would have worked better.
Wired:
I thought I was being clever and providing wider support by separating the two wires around the trunk. I think it would have been better to lay the two wires next to each other as is usual.
Bent:
Looking now, more gentler bends might have looked better. And less risky.
I used 3 layers of grafting tape to wrap the trunk. Something stronger would have worked better.
Wired:
I thought I was being clever and providing wider support by separating the two wires around the trunk. I think it would have been better to lay the two wires next to each other as is usual.
Bent:
Looking now, more gentler bends might have looked better. And less risky.
fredman
Masterpiece
Electrical insulation tape works well. Two layers. First one I put the glue side away from the bark. Give the tape some stretch when wrapped around.
Deep Sea Diver
Imperial Masterpiece
Good job! I like your effort. Next time you might consider starting lower, with continuous double or triple wire with wires placed side by side. Its recommended in Bonsai Techniques for Satsuki. Naka et al.
Cheers
DSD sends
Cheers
DSD sends
bunjin
Mame
I like the movement you created, James. Electrical tape for wrapping is a new one for me. I will try it soon. Not sure it will be easy to remove as it is really tenacious when used for its intended purpose.
fredman
Masterpiece
Yeah don't go that way. As I said above, the first layer should be put on with the glue away from the bark....bit of a schlep, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. The second layer is wrapped onto the glue side. The two pieces of tape can be stuck together before hand and wrapped that way. I however choose to put them on seperately. That way I can get some stretch from the tape to fit the branch snuggly.
Best to use short pieces of tape so it don't stick to everything that easy.
James W.
Chumono
Electrical tape sticks to itself real well and has to be cut off in a year. Kind of a PITA.
Next time I might use duck tape or athletic tape or 1st aid tape. Something not very stretchy and cloth based. I have used duck tape on trees before and it breaks down and lets go after a year or so in the sun and the weather.
Next time I might use duck tape or athletic tape or 1st aid tape. Something not very stretchy and cloth based. I have used duck tape on trees before and it breaks down and lets go after a year or so in the sun and the weather.
bunjin
Mame
I made some measurements and electrical tape is about .0065"thick, garden wrap tape is .004" or .008", pin striping tape is .005"and grafting tape is listed at .004"(not meas.)- many types of grafting tape are out there. I am looking for some jute twine thinner than 3 mm as it gives really good protection and is super easy to remove. Azaleas take a set very quickly during the growth season. If the wires are on for a year, most of the time that is way too long. Given a choice, I also think it is better to to use something that is permeable.
James W.
Chumono
And maybe something thicker would act like some padding to prevent wire scars?
Cotton twine might work, too.
bunjin
Mame
Hmm- butcher's twine measures at about 2mm - good suggestion.
Pitoon
Imperial Masterpiece
Shape looks good. However I would like to note that with you wrapping the entire trunk, you are limiting yourself for new buds to emerge at strategic locations. Unless of course you don't need new buds anywhere else on the trunk.
Also I find two smaller wires wired in parallel works better than one large wire. You have more control when you are bending.
Pitoon
Imperial Masterpiece
If you are concerned about wire scars........you are not giving your trees enough attention. Some say wrapping the wire will reduce scarring, but the only real way is to look at your trees. You can use the paper tape that is found in the floral section for fake flowers at any hobby shop. You can find both green and brown.
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