Waxleaf Privet - What Kind Of Reduction In Leaf Size Can I Expect?

Firstflush

Chumono
Messages
982
Reaction score
1,135
Location
NW Montucky
USDA Zone
3-4
I have this Ligustrum Japonicum “Texanum” (waxleaf privet) pre-bonsai growing well for me. Nice dark healthy green leaves. The base split and dremel use to round off hard edges is healing well. Any experience on what I can expect as far as reduction in leaf size goes? Thank you.
 

Attachments

  • 557B41AD-664F-471D-98D3-21FD68FEB9C9.jpeg
    557B41AD-664F-471D-98D3-21FD68FEB9C9.jpeg
    149.3 KB · Views: 24
  • 89711F21-EB0F-49EB-BB52-917EA6744659.jpeg
    89711F21-EB0F-49EB-BB52-917EA6744659.jpeg
    291.2 KB · Views: 21
  • 42E432C3-81FB-410B-B3EC-707513D4795A.jpeg
    42E432C3-81FB-410B-B3EC-707513D4795A.jpeg
    258.8 KB · Views: 21
  • 0AD955AE-1183-4B55-9065-5D82BA62E826.jpeg
    0AD955AE-1183-4B55-9065-5D82BA62E826.jpeg
    260.3 KB · Views: 25

Shibui

Imperial Masterpiece
Messages
7,544
Reaction score
15,202
Location
Yackandandah, Australia
USDA Zone
9?
Leaf size is unpredictable and depends on a number of factors.
Generally I think half is a good outcome but it will not happen overnight. It is sometimes possible to get even greater reduction but that depends on many factors coming together.
Leaf size seems to be mainly dependent on ramification - the more shoots and twigs your tree has the more leaves it will have and leaf size will be consequently smaller. It may also be affected by nutrition and water availability due to stress but need to be careful manipulating those factors.
 

Firstflush

Chumono
Messages
982
Reaction score
1,135
Location
NW Montucky
USDA Zone
3-4
I’ll let it push hard from spring to early summer and maybe try a defoliation.
They are tough as nails.
 

Shibui

Imperial Masterpiece
Messages
7,544
Reaction score
15,202
Location
Yackandandah, Australia
USDA Zone
9?
Agreed - Tough as nails.
Defoliation by itself does not cause leaf reduction but defoliation can help get more new shoots started which increases ramification and that can help reduce leaf size. Best to trim all shoots at the same time as defoliation so the shoots don't just sprout at the tips.
It will be interesting to see the results.
 

Joe Dupre'

Omono
Messages
1,680
Reaction score
3,631
Location
Belle Rose, La.
USDA Zone
9a
I'm not a fan of defoliation. I know it works for some. I can't wrap my head around taking away all of a trees food making ability. My method with most trees is to prune the older, bigger leaves as they occur. I've gotten edible fig leaves down from 10" to 2" with method.
 
Top Bottom