Trying to decide what to do with this...

[Cadillactaste]

This is the weeping ryusen we lost it's top last winter. At it's somewhat slanted in pot position it's about 1 foot tall. Sort of to short for the yard...but I guess we could use it as ground cover...or should I play around with it and pot it next year?

 

[wireme]

Trick question?
Play with it!!!

 

[Cadillactaste]

Trick question?
Play with it!!!

No...not really. Just didn't want ones to think I foolish for attempting something. I've not really overly messed with it...and have forgotten to water it at times stuck it at the back of our waterfall. Is in poor soil for bonsai but can be addressed later.

Thing is: It has a bit of a weird bulge heading up the trunk from root. But...can see it potted slightly at a slant and allowing those weeping branches to do what they do best. Fall colors are so pretty. Even battling black spot in our area. Their color wasn't overly effected.

Thanks!

 

[thumblessprimate1]

I'd put it in the ground to grow. When it has defoliated, see what potential it has. You'll likely need to wire it up some time to get some leaders as this is an extremely weeping variety. Everything grows downward. I like the idea of having contorted horizontal branches in its future. When you're ready, air layer it to take that graft buldge out of the picture.

 

[wireme]

Ah right, well I am a fool myself. I mean playing with material others consider foolish, sugar maples for one!

If you have the time, space and inclination it only becomes foolish if you're unable to let it go if its not working out down the road. I think.

I don't know that species but it looks like a reasonably fun plant to me.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I'd put it in the ground to grow. When it has defoliated, see what potential it has. You'll likely need to wire it up some time to get some leaders as this is an extremely weeping variety. Everything grows downward. I like the idea of having contorted horizontal branches in its future. When you're ready, air layer it to take that graft buldge out of the picture.

See I wouldn't try and fight it's nature. I would slant it...allowing it to flow naturally. The way it is...the branches are below the soil level. And can't sit on the ground. To put it in the ground would allow those branches to become ground cover for my plans I envision if I played with it. If it's put in the ground...ground cover is all it will ever be.

But thanks for your view...I am more of the nature not to fight nature.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Ah right, well I am a fool myself. I mean playing with material others consider foolish, sugar maples for one!

If you have the time, space and inclination it only becomes foolish if you're unable to let it go if its not working out down the road. I think.

I don't know that species but it looks like a reasonably fun plant to me.

YOU ARE SO RIGHT! I love the weeping nature of this weeping ryusen maple so much so we replaced it when it took a turn for the worse. I almost tossed it out...and hesitated...for it was pushing growth where it didn't die back. The fall foliage beautiful. I am a sucker for weeping anything...so I will pot it up come spring...and allow it to just do it's thing. Thanks again...I never aspire to show bonsai...just enjoy the hobby.

 

[Cadillactaste]

It's replacement...you can see it is extremely a weeping form.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

I hope this doesn't come off as snarky as it isn't mean to be. You really wouldn't be fighting it's nature, but rather challenge it. Not to challenge it's nature would be to allow this maple to grow into a ground cover. You may already know this, but this cultivar needed to be staked to have the height before it is allowed to weep.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I hope this doesn't come off as snarky as it isn't mean to be. You really wouldn't be fighting it's nature, but rather challenge it. Not to challenge it's nature would be to allow this maple to grow into a ground cover. You may already know this, but this cultivar needed to be staked to have the height before it is allowed to weep.

Not at all...I like your chosen works "snarky"! Most know...I have a tendency for weeping...but, I could wire it so the branches weep...even if potted...I bring up a leader and create unique top for it so it has a unique form. Here is a photo of it in it's glory...before old man winter hit it hard...

I still think having it slant...and create interesting lifts and falls from bringing out the weeping branches so it has a unique artistic look. Loved the top of this tree at one time. It had branches trained to be leaders at different levels.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I hope this doesn't come off as snarky as it isn't mean to be. You really wouldn't be fighting it's nature, but rather challenge it. Not to challenge it's nature would be to allow this maple to grow into a ground cover. You may already know this, but this cultivar needed to be staked to have the height before it is allowed to weep.

I did wire up a leader to the top of the tree last evening thinking of your post thread...the chop will always look off when the leaves drop though. Though it still sits tilted to allow drainage since it's not in bonsai substrate.