Beni-schichihenge acer palmatum

[Rob_phillips]

Hi all i found this tree at my local nursery it was being sold for £18 i could not believe it when i saw it.
It is young and has some growing to do, it seems to be grafted but im not sure exactly as there are no major swellings or major marks left from the graft apart from one place in photo 5.
But i think this tree could have some potential in the future.



Has anyone had any experience with this cultivar in bonsai?
If so any tips on it?

 

[barrosinc]

the branch below what you think is the graft looks the same... so probably not a graft.

 

[Rob_phillips]

the branch below what you think is the graft looks the same... so probably not a graft.

Hi @barrosinc i think this may be part of a healed graft maybe?

 

[ajm55555]

If it were a graft, the skinny branch below it should present the characteristics of the root stock, which does not. I strongly doubt they grafted it too ;-)

 

[Rob_phillips]

If it were a graft, the skinny branch below it should present the characteristics of the root stock, which does not. I strongly doubt they grafted it too ;-)

Fair point lol

 

[LanceMac10]

Dig deeper......

What actually do you see in this piece of material?

 

[Rob_phillips]

Dig deeper......

What actually do you see in this piece of material?

Its got a great spring colour and it looks a pritty cultivar and for the price even if it ends up as a garden plant i cant complain.

I was thinking a small sized tree possibly a broom style or a natral look.
Im probably either.
A) going to cut it back and start developing it to end up around 30 ish cm tall.
B) plant it in the ground for a few years then look at it a bit more then.

The bottom branch could act as a sacrifice branch or maybe play a part in its future.

Do you not see anything in it?

 

[Rob_phillips]

And as for digging deeper i will do later have a look whats under that soil line

 

[Rob_phillips]

Ive had a good dig down into the soil and there does not apear to be any grafts under the soil line.
I just need to decide on this trees route for this year and onwards now.

 

[AlainK]

Hi @barrosinc i think this may be part of a healed graft maybe?

The bark below and above what you circled look a bit different, but apparently, there's a lower branch that has the characteristics of the cultivar.

Yet, I doubt it's on its own roots, as some suggested dig deeper.

It's a very nice cultivar anyway.

But I'm not sure it would ever make a good bonsai, I would personally keep it as a potted tree, a patio tree

 

[LanceMac10]

Please don't take offence @Rob_phillips !!

In my experience, these variegated Maples are not very vigorous and I personally don't like the leaf-coloring, it looks "damaged".
That bulge at the pruning scar is worrisome....will it continue to swell?
With that small trunk, if you go broom, your branches will have to be really thin as to not overwhelm the trunk and look odd. And it will require lots of wire to shape your branches.
If you have the opportunity to put it in the ground to "trunk up", I think that would be your best option.
If you enjoy it, that's all that counts! Don't worry, we've got plenty of "projects" that became landscape material!!

 

[Rob_phillips]

@LanceMac10 no offence taken buddy
I think i will chuck it in the ground in the garden and see what happens, that was kind of the idea i had for it as i do understand that it will have a lot of growing to do if it has any future as a bonsai.
But as i have a good spot in the garden where i can enjoy it for a few years and enjoy it for what it is for a while.

I do like the colours of the leaves and it will look good where i have planed for it too so its a win win as far as im concerned and for that price.

And if it does develop over the years, and has a bit more potential for a small bonsai sweet. If not it dont matter.

 

[LanceMac10]

Nothing wrong with a Japanese Maple in the landscape, that's for sure!!
Once it gets established, you can observe it's growth habits and dial in a plan for it going forward.

 

[petegreg]

Lance, Rob, I like your gentlemen talk. I'm on Lance's side to use it for landscape or as an ornamental tree, but...
http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t10825-variegated-foliage-for-bonsai

...here're some similar and differing views.

 

[cozmicat]

How’d this turn out? Any update?

 

[stu929]

I’m also curious as I saw a larger version on clearance near me that I was debating getting.

 

[Ininaatigoons]

Always follow you heart in your work! You are the one that lives and cares for it! I have a few that excite me and yes beni schichihenge is on my list of wants. That was a great price!

 

[Yamabudoudanshi]

I have one of these too!
Going to put a little movement in mine and then take some air layers down the road. Following along.

I now see this post is years old...

 

[Ininaatigoons]

Wow! Time for an update then!

 

[stu929]

I did pick up the one I saw as well. It had some nice movement down low so I guess I’ll be figuring it out either way. Still would love some updates.

I’m guessing I will have to take 2-3 air layers from the top of mine to get to the movement I want. Or just chop chop! ;-)