Here we go again,..

[Bunjeh]

I know every one is getting sick of me asking "have you ever tried a tomato plant as bonsai?" But seriously, I went to the Weyerhauser Pacific Bonsai Museum today ( a must if you are in Washington) which happens to be conveniently located on the same park as the Rhododendron Gardens. This is the place to buy rhodies if you are sick of what the hardware stores are offering. Anyway,..ran across a rhododendron williamsianum and immediately identified it as material. (https://www.google.com/search?q=rho...v&sa=X&ei=eGPEVN21E43YoAS9_IK4DQ&ved=0CB0QsAQ) Small leaves, evergreen, floral,..so. Has anyone tried it? I'll post pic's tomorrow after I get it out of it's pot.

 

[edprocoat]

Yea the Rhododendron is a better choice than the Tomato !



ed

 

[Smoke]

Yea the Rhododendron is a better choice than the Tomato !



ed

Yea, but you can always eat your failures....

 

[Eric Group]

I know every one is getting sick of me asking "have you ever tried a tomato plant as bonsai?" But seriously, I went to the Weyerhauser Pacific Bonsai Museum today ( a must if you are in Washington) which happens to be conveniently located on the same park as the Rhododendron Gardens. This is the place to buy rhodies if you are sick of what the hardware stores are offering. Anyway,..ran across a rhododendron williamsianum and immediately identified it as material. (https://www.google.com/search?q=rho...v&sa=X&ei=eGPEVN21E43YoAS9_IK4DQ&ved=0CB0QsAQ) Small leaves, evergreen, floral,..so. Has anyone tried it? I'll post pic's tomorrow after I get it out of it's pot.

Rhododendron are fine Bonsai candidates, though you are better off sticking with the Azalea members of the genus... The majority of your basic "non-azalea"Rhodies have big, thick leathery leaves and huge clusters of blooms... Unless you are making a very large tree they won't look quite right for Bonsai.... Depends on the specific variety I am sure.

After years of trying to take the "round pegs" I could find In My area and cram them into the square Bonsai tray to call them a Bonsai, I am finally coming to the realization that the trees people have used for Bonsai for centuries are used for a reason! They just make better Bonsai... If you cannot readily find many examples of the tree/ plant you are considering as an existing good Bonsai, you probably won't make a great one out of it either- at least not without a LOT of extra time and effort on your part. There are exceptions of course and I am still trying some local species to see what I can make from them but it is an easier road to start with suitable material.

Tomato was a joke I hope... LOL

 

[Anthony]

Try Hot peppers - they work.
https://www.google.com/search?q=pep...nJMywggSGiYOoCg&ved=0CCQQsAQ&biw=1093&bih=454
also xantho...............

Have fun.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[qwade]

Try Hot peppers - they work.


Have fun.
Good Day
Anthony

Have grown many of them. Hot and sweet. They usually do resemble trees by the end of the season. Most of the hot ones have smaller leaves. May save one next year and try it.

Good Day
John

 

[Bunjeh]

Tomato was a joke I hope... LOL

Yes, the tomato was a joke. However. Google tomato bonsai if you want a good laugh. I have always steered clear of rhodies for the reasons you mentioned. However, this one looks like it has potential.

 

[Anthony]

John,

http://wigertsbonsai.com/gmelina-philippensis-2/

http://www.bonsaiboy.com/catalog/product5511.html

http://www.bonsaitoolchest.com/download/parrots_beak.pdf

I wouldn't try for flowers, branches have to be 6' to 8' long to flower, and it isn't that great.
Think Indoor Maple [ the Chinese name ] and there is a good chance this shrub is able to handle zone 9. Test a cutting.
Matches the Trident Maple.

Sorry, I can't just post you some cuttings, growth is rapid and the second set of leaves are trident maple shaped. Very high density in leaf, but not branches.

Good Day
Anthony

 

[qwade]

Anthony

You lost me there. HAVE YOU BEEN SMOKING SOME OF THOSE LEAVES. Someone translate if I'm missing something.

God Day john

 

[Anthony]

John,

whoops, this is the cousin to the Premna, I was telling you about on another topic.
Apologies, I can retain, a decent amount of information and treat much of these forum replies as conversations, with someone in real time.
Good Day
Anthony