Ume flower bud question

[Adair M]

What about the technique suggested by Bjorn, he defoliates most of the outer canopy leaving only the inner leaves. And I've read from you and from other sources to cut ONLY those first, inner leaves, leaving the rest intact. Sounds like two opposing approaches? Or am I missing something here?

Btw, completely agree on flower priority, mine now has several straight and leggy branches which I'll terminate after the show in winter!

I’m not familiar with Bjorn’s technique, so I can’t comment other than to say, if it works, it works.

The technique I described comes from my teacher, Boon, and is also presented in an early International Bonsai magazine article.

 

[junmilo]

What about the technique suggested by Bjorn, he defoliates most of the outer canopy leaving only the inner leaves. And I've read from you and from other sources to cut ONLY those first, inner leaves, leaving the rest intact. Sounds like two opposing approaches? Or am I missing something here?

Btw, completely agree on flower priority, mine now has several straight and leggy branches which I'll terminate after the show in winter!

I tried Bjorn technique on one of my bigger ume...it works...pushing off new growth...see picture

 

[River's Edge]

I would tend to believe the plant in question is a less vigorous cultivar like Matsubara Red, possibly affected by recent repotting or just a poor growing season. Based on the photos I would also suggest a more staged approach to pruning if a less vigorous cultivar as they tend to die back more so. Not sure if your timing for pruning was spot on for your climate and tree's condition but that can also make a difference. I have better results with pruning further out then coming back and cleaning up the cut using a sealer with anti fungal properties. The browning patches are common if there is any disturbance or injury. Shows up similarly if wire bruises for example!
Just some observations that may help based on my experience with Ume.