Shohin Satsuki Azalea "Gumpo Pink"

[Mellow Mullet]

I started this one from a cutting, waiting to see where the buds form before it gets its final trim. What do you think?

John

 

[jk_lewis]

What would it look like without the side branch? The trunk we can see is awfully straight.

 

[Vin]

The trunk we can see is awfully straight.

That's what the beer is for. Drink a few of them and trunk starts bend like magic. Not sure what you do the next morning though...

 

[Mellow Mullet]

Here is what it looks like without it and what it looks like (kinda) trimmed up. Might be a possibility, what do you think?

 

[tmmason10]

I think it's nice for what it is. And that is to add flowers to your bench not neccessarily to looks like an old gnarly tree in nature. The foliage seems to masximize the flower show pretty well

 

[jk_lewis]

Better without the branch. Thin the top a bit so branches can be seen.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I actually like how the triangle is formed in the first photo. The left coming up more hard of an angle than the right side. The way the right branch the foliage dips a bit making me think the branch curves a bit. I like the twin trunk. Though removing the smaller trunk...you then make the main trunk seem much more thicker. So it's a toss up.

 

[Dav4]

I say keep the branch, and try to make the canopy a bit shorter and compact. How are the roots on this tree?

 

[Mellow Mullet]

I think I will keep the branch for now, I have been toying with removing it, but something keeps pulling me back when I get ready to chop. The roots are OK for its age, but not spectacular, I plan to repot it higher this spring. Waiting to see where buds form, then I will give it a trim to make it more compact. Gumpo is not the best Satsuki for bonsai, lots of leggy upright growth, but are worth the challenge if you are willing to try.

Thanks for the comments,

John