Thoughts on this Crepe Myrtle

[AaronThomas]

Went to the nursery today and stumbled upon this Pecos crêpe myrtle. For 40 bucks I probably should have just picked up but I am wondering if I could get some feedback from any of you.
Too shruby?
Take it or leave it?
There appears to be a bit of inverse taper but I’m wondering if that’s something that can be fixed over time. I like the bass and the trunk… Thoughts?
Thanks!
A

 

[Hartinez]

go get it!! Crapes back bud so reliably and I love that bark!! That base flares really nice also. And I’d bet you could encourage an even wider flare with time. Just ask @just.wing.it hes got one that he’s developing well. Or check out one of Marky Scott’s threads on crapes.

but did you really need me to tell you to go buy it Aaron???

 

[AaronThomas]

go get it!!

Leaving now! Lol

 

[Hartinez]

There is some inverse taper but a big chop could solve that. And either carve out an URO or hide the chop and cut paste it.

 

[Hartinez]

There is some inverse taper but a big chop could solve that. And either carve out an URO or hide the chop and cut paste it.

Especially if you just let it grow for a few years, I bet you could begin healing that wound pretty well.

 

[AaronThomas]

Got it!
@Hartinez thanks for the push and info!
Lots of decisions to be made.
I guess I have some time at this point!
Larger leaves than other Crepes I’ve seen lately... hopefully they will reduce.

 

[Hartinez]

Got it!
@Hartinez thanks for the push and info!
Lots of decisions to be made.
I guess I have some time at this point!
Larger leaves than other Crepes I’ve seen lately... hopefully they will reduce.
View attachment 306414

They’ll reduce!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

go get it!! Crapes back bud so reliably and I love that bark!! That base flares really nice also.

Could not have said it better myself

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Crepe myrtle before:



Today:

 

[vp999]

Crepe myrtle before:

View attachment 306454

Today:
View attachment 306455

Beautiful! May I ask how many years in-between the before and now pics ? Thanks

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Beautiful! May I ask how many years in-between the before and now pics ? Thanks

Three years, two months. First pic was taken in March, 2017. Still needs a lot of work with ramification and apex development.

 

[AaronThomas]

Today

Very nice!
Looking forward to working on this one...

 

[Arizona bonsai]

Where did you get it from?

 

[AaronThomas]

Where did you get it from?

Mesquite Valley here in Tucson. They have a ton of CM... a couple other candidates I saw in the $40 range but mostly larger trees in the $150 range.

 

[AaronThomas]

Any thoughts on where to chop this one back?
I'm assuming its too late in the season for cutting back now... ?
I do like the way the branches have formed up top but the reverse taper and hight may bight me in the butt later?

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Wherever you cut it, assume that section of the trunk will swell as the wound callouses and heals over. So you always want your cut to be at a narrow point of the trunk. Additionally, make sure to angle the cut at least 45 degrees, with the cut facing the rear of the tree. That way not only will the cut be hidden from the front while it is healing, but hopefully buds will pop at the top of the cut and they will grow forward towards the front of the tree (so your new trunk and apex will be forward). Finally make sure to scoop out the cut so that it is concave. If you make the cut flush, when the scar heals you will be left with a large lump.

 

[AaronThomas]

Wherever you cut it

Thanks BN!

 

[AaronThomas]

@Bonsai Nut
I read your reply in the Crepe Myrtle thread...
Im not planing on doing root work this season... but do you feel its safe to chop now and leave in nursery pot?

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Im not planing on doing root work this season... but do you feel its safe to chop now and leave in nursery pot?

I believe so - AZ has a nice long growing season. You might be surprised how quickly it explodes with new growth.

 

[Mash]

looks grafted just below that line or its the picture tricking me. Base may be a slower growing variety since it is thinner than the top. Most time you see the graft reversed and the base is the faster growing variety.