Japanese Red Pine (not a bonsai)

[MichaelS]

I've had this tree since just after it was grafted over 30 years ago. It is about 6 feet high. Pinus densiflora pendula. It has never been wired only pinched and pruned and the odd branch tied down with string. It's starting to display the character that red pines are so famous for - bark! Hope you enjoy....

 

[Alexmacrophyllum]

This is an awesome tree. I have a small one. I can't wait until mine gets that large. This is exactly what I was planning on doing. Thanks for sharing.

 

[BunjaeKorea]

That thing breaks so many rules and still manages to look gorgeous.
Give me 3 hours with that and you would have a very valuable tree. (Not that it isn't awesome already). Thanks for sharing
PS this is my fav species

 

[just.wing.it]

Could be....

Have you ever repotted it?

 

[MichaelS]

That thing breaks so many rules and still manages to look gorgeous.
Give me 3 hours with that and you would have a very valuable tree. (Not that it isn't awesome already). Thanks for sharing
PS this is my fav species

It doesn't break any rules because it doesn't follow any and if you put wire on it you'll just f**k it up.

 

[MichaelS]

Could be....

Have you ever repotted it?

Every 5 years or so

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Beautiful tree. Looks like a bonsai to me. Keep it just as it is. Looks nicer than so many over-worked specimens.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Beautiful tree. Looks like a bonsai to me. Keep it just as it is. Looks nicer than so many over-worked specimens.

Hear, Hear.

 

[sorce]

@MichaelS what is your definition of the line that separates this as "not" a Bonsai?

Curious.

Sorce

 

[MrWunderful]

I think because he means its 6’ tall. If its container grown, I personally consider it a bonsai!

 

[just.wing.it]

this is my fav species

its 6’ tall

Here is one at the National Arboretum in DC....it is amazing and beautiful, and about 6' tall.
These pics are from February 2019.
Love that JRP bark!

 

[Paulpash]

Good to see you posting again. You have some quality trees. Cheers

 

[Colorado]

Beautiful tree! I’d also be interested to hear why you don’t consider this a “bonsai.”

 

[MichaelS]

@MichaelS what is your definition of the line that separates this as "not" a Bonsai?

Curious.

Sorce

Just the size of it Sorce. But hey, if you wanna call it a bonsai who am I to argue.....

 

[MichaelS]

Here is one at the National Arboretum in DC....it is amazing and beautiful, and about 6' tall.
These pics are from February 2019.
Love that JRP bark!
View attachment 275689View attachment 275690View attachment 275691

Wow, that one's REALLY old! It's very nice but I'm not sure that the main branch (first on the left) does much for it? A bit flat for my liking. if it was more like the first back branch!.....

 

[Just Rosie]

Lovely tree, thank you for sharing. I'm new so forgive me for asking: is lichen on bonsai a "good" thing? Or at least something you don't worry about? I know nothing about it, but I've never seen it on a bonsai before; at least I wasn't paying attention if I have.

 

[GGB]

HooooWEeeeee I waited too long to check out this thread. Tree is gorgeous. Only heard recently that they take a while to bark up, shame. i'd get me some seeds right now if they developed like JBP

 

[MichaelS]

Lovely tree, thank you for sharing. I'm new so forgive me for asking: is lichen on bonsai a "good" thing? Or at least something you don't worry about? I know nothing about it, but I've never seen it on a bonsai before; at least I wasn't paying attention if I have.

Lichen actually does digest what it is living on whether it be rock or bark but VERY slowly. In the end a bit of lichen on your rough barked trees only adds to the picture . I encourage it but if it gets too much just scrape some off.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

@GGB I have one three years old from seed and it's already barking up a little. Faster than my JBP.

 

[sorce]

@GGB I have one three years old from seed and it's already barking up a little. Faster than my JBP.

In a pot?

They say potted trees bark faster.

I believe it since bark is dead and thin dies faster.

But does it also flake off easier?

Sorce