Abies Koreana ‘prostata’

[b3bowen]

Abies is not a genus that is usually an option for bonsai here in climate zone 7b. If they are to survive usually they are grafted onto abies firma rootstock. The grafts are usually very noticeable. I was able to acquire the tree below that was grafted and grown locally about 15 years ago. It was in very poor health at the time of purchase a year ago and had lost its leader. What is great about the plant is that the graft is well hidden at the soil line. The base is about 2-2.5 inches. I stripped the bark and sealed the wood of the dead leader with lime sulfur last fall. The plant was in a 7 gallon container at the time of purchase and was potted onto a large ceramic container until health improved.

Growth was very good this spring so health is improving, now I hope to get some back budding.

I think it may end up as some kind of semi cascade given the plants natural tendency to horizontal growth. Other ideas or suggestions to push back budding are welcome.

 

[b3bowen]

Needles are actually quite large making photos of plant look much smaller than it is.