My 'Ben Oki' azalea

Brian Van Fleet · Feb 21, 2013

When it was repotted in '08, the soil I used was 100% Kanuma. I haven't repotted it since, but will this spring, also using 100% Kanuma. Prior to that, I used pine bark, lava, and Turface, 2:1:1. I still use that mix for trees in training cans/pots.

Poink88 · Feb 21, 2013

Brian Van Fleet said:
Prior to that, I used pine bark, lava, and Turface, 2:1:1. I still use that mix for trees in training cans/pots.

Brian, on azalea being trained, you think it is okay to add maybe 5% chopped sphagnum moss in lieu of some of the pine bark from this mix? (considering I am in a more arid area)

Basically the revised mix will be; pine bark, moss, lava, and Turface, 9:1:5:5.

Thanks!

Brian Van Fleet · Apr 7, 2013

This one is nearly a month behind where it was for the last 2 years. Last year at this time, I was removing all the spent blooms. Today, the first couple are just starting to appear!

it was unusually cold, and it was repotted this spring for the first time in 5 years. Probably could have gotten a couple more years out of it...

fredtruck · Apr 7, 2013

That's a very nice tree, Brian. I trust you'll post more pictures when it is in flower?

Brian Van Fleet · Apr 14, 2014

Spring '14 update...

More, better photos in the next couple days. Everything is really late this year. 2 years ago, this was done blooming in mid-March. This year, it's mid-April and only about halfway there.

For the azalea fans, I have a decent post going up on Saturday...

JudyB · Apr 14, 2014

I look forward to seeing this one every year, it never disappoints!

lordy · Apr 14, 2014

I notice how much the blooms resemble roses. Beautiful.

Brian Van Fleet · Apr 17, 2014

Just about there...

Steve C · Apr 17, 2014

I just read this whole thread, excellent post for someone like me whom is still somewhat new to be able to see the progression.

And what an absolute beauty it turned into. Gorgeous tree!

justinw · Apr 17, 2014

Thank you for posting the progression... its a wonderful tree with great style.

Brian Van Fleet · Apr 21, 2014

Here ya go, B'Nuts...full bloom!

barrosinc · Apr 21, 2014

Brian Van Fleet said:
Here ya go, B'Nuts...full bloom!

marvelous!!!

Ryan820 · Apr 21, 2014

Brian Van Fleet said:
After aerating and top dressing with Kanuma:

The nebari spread:

Brian-- what is all that stuff on the surface of the soil??

Dav4 · Apr 21, 2014

Ryan820 said:
Brian-- what is all that stuff on the surface of the soil??

The yellow stuff is Kanuma...the squares are some sort of fertilizer cake, I think...and then, there are the roots...

.

Ryan820 · Apr 21, 2014

Dav4 said:
The yellow stuff is Kanuma...the squares are some sort of fertilizer cake, I think...and then, there are the roots....

Wow it's so bright in color... I'm not familiar with Kanuma but didn't expect it to look like this.

I'm still trying to understand what soil comp I should be using for various trees here in colorado given my climate. I've got to get to know some local bonsai keepers for this I'm sure...

thanks!

catfish chapstick · Apr 21, 2014

Brian Van Fleet said:
Here ya go, B'Nuts...full bloom!

Hell of a tree. Wish it were mine

Brian Van Fleet · Apr 21, 2014

Dav4 said:
The yellow stuff is Kanuma...the squares are some sort of fertilizer cake, I think...and then, there are the roots....

correct on all counts...

Ryan820 · Apr 21, 2014

Well, Brian-- it's an amazing tree. Thank you for sharing it with us all. I'm trying to find a good supplier of satsuki and so far not much luck! BTW where do you get this Kanuma?

barrosinc · Apr 21, 2014

I just re-read... so that's what 53 years looks like

Brian Van Fleet · Apr 24, 2014

One more...

My 'Ben Oki' azalea

Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy

Imperial Masterpiece

Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy

Attachments

Omono

Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy

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Queen of the Nuts

Omono

Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy

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Omono

Seedling

Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy

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Masterpiece

Mame

Drop Branch Murphy

Mame

Chumono

Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy

Mame

Masterpiece

Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy

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