Are these worth buying? Boxwood/River Birch

[Iowa newbie]

Boxwood - $35 was one of those spiral things that had a rough winter. All the lower growth is new. It’s the variety that has the light green edges and it pops.


Good base 3 inch trunk


Also found this River Birch that’s been heavily chopped but the nebari is great already.

 

[penumbra]

Not to me. Sorry, but I wouldn't have them. You can find better boxwood and birch is not of much use as a bonsai, imo.

 

[coachspinks]

It is hard to tell, but the two smaller trunks on the birch look dead. Even if they aren't I think I would pass. I'm not as excited about the roots as you are and see a long road ahead. If they have several birch I would look for a different one.
The boxwood does have potential but it is hard to see what the roots look like. It also looks like there may be some reverse taper where the branches split. If that is indeed the case, pass.

 

[BobbyLane]

i would also pass. in case you havnt already come across it, this is a good guide when buying nursery material
7mins in

 

[sorce]

I'm 2 nos.

There is no Boxwood with light green edges.
Except suffering ones. Minor suffering, but suffering still.

Sorce

 

[penumbra]

There is no Boxwood with light green edges.
Except suffering ones. Minor suffering, but suffering still.

This one may be a deficiency but there are several boxwood with a light color edge. Golden Dream and Borderline are two of them but there are many variagata varieties sold plus the old highly colored standard elegantissima.

 

[Forsoothe!]

False. There is one with bright edges. I can't remember its name. In fact, lots of them.

 

[sorce]

Well screw em! They're ugly!

Sorce

 

[Forsoothe!]

You don't like any variegated foliage?

 

[penumbra]

Well screw em! They're ugly!

Sorce

LOL, you are pretty much right there.

 

[sorce]

Seems a silly bit to reproduce for.

But I am against glowing fish, variegated plants, etc...

Sorce

 

[AZbonsai]

Bought this one not long ago $10 cheaper.

 

[penumbra]

I love variegated plants. But I have not seen a variegated boxwood I like. I have seen a lot of them including an elagantissima about ten feet tall at the VA State Arboretum at Blandy Farm.
I would add that I generally don't like variegated bonsai.

 

[sorce]

$10 cheaper

And way more than $10 better.

Sorce

 

[Jzack605]

Not a variegated boxwood. Boron deficiency.

 

[Forsoothe!]

You are making a judgement without ascertaining the variety ID.

 

[Jzack605]

You are making a judgement without ascertaining the variety ID.

I’m making a judgement based on what I know from monitoring thousands of boxwood and knowing what’s available in the nursery trade.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Really?.......Shit!
Off to the Boron store!

 

[Jzack605]

Really?.......Shit!
Off to the Boron store!

Well don’t go so quick. I came back to reply I’m not 100% sure that was the nutrient deficiency that we narrowed it down to. It was a tricky one. Some people have success with just fertilizing and new leaves emerge fully green.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Bought this one not long ago $10 cheaper.

View attachment 265627

Hi AZ, love the 25$ boxwood! Also I was wondering about those basket pots. Are they constructed with burlap or something?
Very cool.