Spans Dwarf Shore Pine?

[Mac In Oak Ridge]

I ran across one in a nursery today. Trunk about 2" in diameter at soil level, about 2' across and 2' high. Has a reasonable selection of limbs down low, forks into two main branches both about 1" in diameter one a little larger and one a little smaller. They are asking $149.95 for it.

Anyone have any experience with this tree? Specifically will it bud back on older wood? This could be a great bonsai in five years or so if it will produce some buds on secondary branches. I'll go get it if there is a reasonable expectation of back budding.

 

[Ang3lfir3]

if it's truly a shore pine (pinus contorta contorta) then there won't be much back budding.... they do backbud but not like jbp or mugo you can create some ramification in the areas that already have green but otherwise not much on the older areas

that at least has been my experience with shore pine

 

[tom tynan]

Mac....I purchased one from Greer Gardens 6 or 7 years ago. It is a dwarf variety of Shore Pine and I am 100% sure this is grafted. So be careful - because as you know the graft union can really be poor and then your stuck with an expensive piece of landscape material. Needles are very small and I agree this could be a great variety - if you can find a good trunk. I recall that budding on branches with green is very good - but nothing in bare areas. Good luck...Tom

 

[Mac In Oak Ridge]

Will, Tom.

I guess I'll just have to leave it go. There are some short, 4-6" branches that have needles on the end that are on trunk or on secondary branches to the two large main branches. However if the 1/4" to 1/8" dia. branches won't bud back then it'd look like a collection of round green toothbrushes.

It is a graft for certain but the graft is pretty decent and doesn't jump out at you when you look at it. You have to study it to see the graft.

Tom, hope things are going well for you. If you ever make another trip down to VA to look around, let me know.

Mac

 

[Ang3lfir3]

Eric not Will

 

[Mac In Oak Ridge]

Sorry. I'll try and remember.

 

[Ang3lfir3]

Sorry. I'll try and remember.

No worries..... feel free to call me Ang if its better....