Is this a worthy buy?

[QuintinBonsai]

http://www.hollowcreekbonsai.com/ec...-black-pine-hakuho-in-a-6x5-growing-pot.rhtml

It's a long term project I know, but the fact that it develops aged looking bark at a young age sparks an interest. Suggestions anyone?

 

[JudyB]

JBP develop good bark fairly early as a general species, that is part of why they are so widely used. I'd save my money for a Muranaka starter instead. Unless you want this specific cultivar.

 

[Stan Kengai]

With your location, why are you scouring the internet for bonsai stock? East coasters only dream of having the availability and selection of bonsai that you Left coasters have.

That aside, what size pot is it in? There are to given in the description. Is it grafted? Most likely it is, given that it is a cultivar, and the picture isn't clear enough to tell.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Judy hit it on the head. If you are looking for that specific cultivar of corkbark black pine, then it's in line with pricing out there. Fwiw, I have not heard of the cultivar Hakuho; Hakuseki is the closest I have in my records. It seems to match their description.

If you're looking for a JBP to train, start with George Muranaka.

 

[QuintinBonsai]

I know of George Muranaka, but I didn't know he sold the cork bark ones. I only see what he sells on Ebay. I've bought a JBP from him in the past, but it died due to my beginner ignorance. I was hoping to start with something that I could "grow with" so to speak. I know that they are very slow growers.

As for scouring the internet, it's only to see whatever else most 2 to 4 hour trip nurseries may, or may not carry. There is a small local nursery in El Cajon, CA, but the selection isn't one that I've hoped for. California may have a larger selection than anywhere else, but when you want something, you have to be prepared for a trek.

 

[nathanbs]

Gary at Chikugi en in Gardena has some great little cork black pine starters for less than $100

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

You might try contacting Brent at Evergreen Gardenworks. He ships, and has good material.
http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/pinus.htm

 

[bonsaibp]

I know of George Muranaka, but I didn't know he sold the cork bark ones. I only see what he sells on Ebay. I've bought a JBP from him in the past, but it died due to my beginner ignorance. I was hoping to start with something that I could "grow with" so to speak. I know that they are very slow growers.

As for scouring the internet, it's only to see whatever else most 2 to 4 hour trip nurseries may, or may not carry. There is a small local nursery in El Cajon, CA, but the selection isn't one that I've hoped for. California may have a larger selection than anywhere else, but when you want something, you have to be prepared for a trek.

You could call House of Bonsai and ask Vickie if she has one. She sometimes does. They are probably closest to you. Also you can check out the San Diego bonsai club http://www.sandiegobonsaiclub.com/
or the San Pu Kai http://www.sanpukai.org/history.html
clubs they both have members that might have some or know where to get some. Just one more advantage to joining a club

 

[bonsaibp]

I know of George Muranaka, but I didn't know he sold the cork bark ones. I only see what he sells on Ebay. I've bought a JBP from him in the past, but it died due to my beginner ignorance. I was hoping to start with something that I could "grow with" so to speak. I know that they are very slow growers.

As for scouring the internet, it's only to see whatever else most 2 to 4 hour trip nurseries may, or may not carry. There is a small local nursery in El Cajon, CA, but the selection isn't one that I've hoped for. California may have a larger selection than anywhere else, but when you want something, you have to be prepared for a trek.

Unless you live near one of the 10 or so between San Diego and Santa Barbara.
Cork pines were really popular and available here in the mid to late 90's but have been harder to find since then.

 

[QuintinBonsai]

I did join The SD Bonsai Club, but I found a large majority of the information provided were things that I have already learned from this forum, videos, or books. I just wish monthly meetings weren't on Sundays. It conflicts with my work schedule. There is one JBP expert in the club. He grows, and sells some from his home.

 

[bonsaibp]

You're probably talking about Fred Miyahira he's a great guy.

 

[QuintinBonsai]

Yes, that's the one!

 

[Adair M]

Why do you want a cork bark? They are weaker than regular JBP.

Honestly, regular JBP make better bonsai. Corkers are a novelty.

If you are trying to learn JBP techniques, avoid cork barks.

 

[QuintinBonsai]

Well, one cannot learn if he does not first step into the waters. I really do want to try them because I like the fissured, flaky, aged bark. It's too late though. I've already ordered a two-year graft from Brent Walston. There is a local nursery that sells one gallon regular JBPs that are very bushy, but I wanted to go with something unique.

 

[Dav4]

Well, one cannot learn if he does not first step into the waters. I really do want to try them because I like the fissured, flaky, aged bark. It's too late though. I've already ordered a two-year graft from Brent Walston. There is a local nursery that sells one gallon regular JBPs that are very bushy, but I wanted to go with something unique.

Get the 1 gal regular JBP, too. Heck, get a few and play around with them. As you said, that's how you learn.

Dave