After two years of searching for a Lavender Twist...I go with something else

[Cadillactaste]

Two years...I tried to locate a Lavender Twist Redbud for the yard...the nursery we deal with can't locate one for us. Got a tip on one but it was not really pronounced weeping. Found a nursery which was to call me Friday if they could get me one in....no call. Stopped at three nurseries today. Last one JACKPOT! They not only had them...but they were under $100! But...ended up seeing this and since I wanted a contorted odd shaped tree and the redbud was more of a weeping upright. I ended up walking out with this...a spiral weeping cherry. A bit more...but still quite reasonable. They had two left that wasn't sold...but, the base of the one I brought home had the nicer of the two bases. When I mentioned that...the lady thought it odd I didn't go with shape over base. I explained I actually liked them both...the graft on this one is at ground level...the other was a good 6" up the trunk looking swollen and out of place. I explained I tinker in bonsai...and a good base makes a tree.

 

[GrimLore]

I think you will enjoy this one for many years. Send it my way and I'll toss it in a training box, pot it in 3 years, and put it in the pot set back about four feet from the entrance walkway

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

I think you will enjoy this one for many years. Send it my way and I'll toss it in a training box, pot it in 3 years, and put it in the pot set back about four feet from the entrance walkway

Grimmy

Thanks Grimmy...this sort if reminded me of that twisted Mame Procumben I admired awhile back...with it's form. It won't be potted though...sunk in the ground yes. I plan on letting the branches creep across the hardscape. Not sure how I will work the top of the tree...still in nursery pot. Once in the ground I will know maybe more what I want to do. They said I could train it taller. But I don't see that my goal, but more having it wider than tall. Which is doable as well.

 

[GrimLore]

I am by all means not an expert on that tree but I envision "problems" letting tree branches lay on stone. Quite different from many other plants, just my experience in general.

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

I am by all means not an expert on that tree but I envision "problems" letting tree branches lay on stone. Quite different from many other plants, just my experience in general.

Grimmy

I spoke with the nursery...asking the question along with the photo of where we planned on planting. Here was their response. I would imagine if there was to be issues...they would have frowned upon it. But, I do appreciate your concern. Which was also mine...which is why I asked them if it would be alright on hardscape to allow it to sprawl.

DeHoff's Flowers, Greenhouse and Landscaping We're glad you had a great experience here! You can prune the branches or you can leave them be, its up to you. Thank you for the compliments!

 

[Cadillactaste]

Picking up a wisteria tree tomorrow. Seen it when we picked up the spiral/serpentine weeping cherry. Put a hold on it for us...so no one will snatch it before we make it up to grab it. Pretty excited about our soon to be purchase.

What caught my eye...was it had hung on to a few blooms yet. Not in it's prime bloom of course. Just a small 4 1/2 foot tree.

 

[GrimLore]

Picking up a wisteria tree tomorrow. Seen it when we picked up the spiral/serpentine weeping cherry. Put a hold on it for us...so no one will snatch it before we make it up to grab it. Pretty excited about our soon to be purchase.

What caught my eye...was it had hung on to a few blooms yet. Not in it's prime bloom of course. Just a small 4 1/2 foot tree.

Funny the comment they sent the Cherry - they really did not answer you but hey *shrugs*. What color is the new victim that you are getting - at 4 1/2 foot tell the hubby the pot will be more then the plant but you ordered it anyways *joke* kind of

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

Funny the comment they sent the Cherry - they really did not answer you but hey *shrugs*. What color is the new victim that you are getting - at 4 1/2 foot tell the hubby the pot will be more then the plant but you ordered it anyways *joke* kind of

Grimmy

Guess you needed to read my question...it asked if I could leave the cherry branches be...spreading them along the hardscape. Or if they had to be trimmed above so they didn't touch the stone.

As for the wisteria...Not sure...it's blooms was waning...just grabbed my eye. But, was trying to see what all they had before the nursery closed in less than 30 minutes. I've not seen wisteria trees around my neck of the woods before, so finding one at the nursery really had me intrigued. I love wisteria...so any color will be fine by me. Hoping though it's not white...since my cherry is a white blooming tree, but if it is...it will still look pretty.

 

[Cadillactaste]

The tree...if I recall...was a standard upright trunk. Nothing special to mark it bonsai worthy...the shrub trained tree had twists and turns of three vines...But I think I am more leaning toward the upright tree...to allow a fuller compact tree. Than a spread out monstrosity when it matures.

Doing google images...I am more drawn to the upright full tight canopy over the ones that spread out and almost looks leggy.

 

[GrimLore]

The tree...if I recall...was a standard upright trunk. Nothing special to mark it bonsai worthy...the shrub trained tree had twists and turns of three vines...But I think I am more leaning toward the upright tree...to allow a fuller compact tree. Than a spread out monstrosity when it matures.

Doing google images...I am more drawn to the upright full tight canopy over the ones that spread out and almost looks leggy.

Looking forward to some pictures tomorrow Sounds nice!

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

Looking forward to some pictures tomorrow Sounds nice!

Grimmy

You do have my brain wondering if there is anything note worthy to the other one...for bonsai...shame on you Grimmy!

Sure...I will post photos. Once things settle down. Busy day tomorrow with a memorial in the afternoon.

 

[Cadillactaste]

The hour drive to the nursery seemed to take FOREVER! With my anticipating my new purchase. ended up picking up the shrug beside it as well...a Sem False Spirea

Luckily for me...the others that were trees were several vines trained and twisted with a huge canopy...didn't scream bonsai to me. Or should I say lucky for the husband. Lol

Also looks to be budding...which puzzled the nursery owner. He was frustrated the tag of the variety had been removed. For it had what was stems of spent flowers...and yet...buds swelling to definitely put on a show. He was like...by golly your going to get to see this tree in bloom!

 

[Cadillactaste]

Now...I read it is better to tear off suckers keeps suckers at a minimum. That said...the sucker resembles a tree not a vine in the least. Considering leaving it and finding the best way to remove it with keeping maybe bonsai maternal. Air layer if that is the best option. And wire the thing and toss in a grow pot. It actually looks to have a bloom bud on it! I tore the other suckers off as directed.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Photos of the sucker...a good 12" start to it.

The possible bloom bud...which are also on the main tree.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Didn't expect to get them in the ground this evening...

 

[GrimLore]

Nice! Busy day up there indeed Is the Wisteria in a pot in the ground or? Curious is all as that plant can get very large very fast and spread - really spread. Here is a shot of one that I will be taking the main base from in the spring. It has spread up to 30 foot wide in two directions and grows up at least two trees 15 to 20 feet. I am taking out the main stump and I am certain the rest will continue to grow

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

Nice! Busy day up there indeed Is the Wisteria in a pot in the ground or? Curious is all as that plant can get very large very fast and spread - really spread. Here is a shot of one that I will be taking the main base from in the spring. It has spread up to 30 foot wide in two directions and grows up at least two trees 15 to 20 feet. I am taking out the main stump and I am certain the rest will continue to grow

Grimmy

A single trained tree...is less maintence. I did my research. A multi stem tree takes on more of the vine tendancy since you are leaving many vines. Training one trunk...doesn't vine like wisteria typically does. It tosses out suckers. But...are to be torn not pruned off. This does something to discourage suckers. Something about tearing that doesn't send the message to produce another in it's spot. It's potted in the ground. Over on gardenweb.com in cottages...a day accidently purchased a wisteria tree a little over 2 years ago...she is STILL waiting for it to throw off vines. And it hasn't. She wasn't aware the single trunk trees took on that aspect. With her having wisteria vines also on her property. She thought...a single trunk...to climb a plant pole that has arms for hanging. Well she now has a tree next to the pole and no vines shown from it. Talk of relocation and buying a multi stemmed plant is her plans. They had multi stemmed trees there Grimmy...wish I had gotten a photo of them. They had crazy wild vines coming off the main trunks of the trained tree. Like jungle you could get lost in them. I don't feel it will be an issue. Time will tell. But...from ones with a single stem trained tree...none complain of it taking over. Ones with multi stemmed trained trees...do.

They had not pruned the trees since they came into the nursery...The single trained trunk I had only had this sucker and a soft sucker starting. Like I said...the larger multi stemmed trees looked like a jungle for the vines it was throwing. Same supplier...trained the same wisteria trees. Just take on more of a vine habit when you basically have so many vines together tree trained. My husband was shocked I didn't choose the fuller canopy larger tree. I told him to step back and look and REALLY see the trees for what they are doing...and not size. He then seen what I was saying.

Though...it might have been a different variety the one I bought verses the larger trees. Their blooms were barely holding on...and much longer than the variety I chose. I would rather have shorter flowers...then a hot mess to deal with later.

 

[GrimLore]

Okie Dokie I will only add that is not a tree no matter how it was trained to look as it does today... In five years it WILL show up in strange places around your property if not potted. Just my opinion based on experience, I am not aware of any variety of Wisteria that IS NOT invasive. Honest I do not care what Landscapers or Gardening "experts" say what I am talking about is reality...

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

Okie Dokie I will only add that is not a tree no matter how it was trained to look as it does today... In five years it WILL show up in strange places around your property if not potted. Just my opinion based on experience, I am not aware of any variety of Wisteria that IS NOT invasive. Honest I do not care what Landscapers or Gardening "experts" say what I am talking about is reality...

Grimmy

Well...I guess I will deal with it when it happens. Having clay soil I hope makes it less desirable wishing to do that. My neighbor has had the vine for goodness..so many years...I can't count. She has never mentioned trouble with keeping it contained. She actually tried talking me into taking a starting off her vine for my pergola. Praising the wisteria... But we either have soil it doesn't like...or it maybe the variety she owns. Not sure...but it will be something I will deal with if it happens. I absolutely love the tree. Guess...it maybe come a love/hate relationship...I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

Now...my flowering purple plum planted 17years ago...since the tornado went through last year...sends suckers up all over our front yard now. I just pull them off. Something we just deal with now.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Someone suggested the variety of wisteria tree I have might be..a frutenscens because of it's second bloom cycle and it having a smaller bloom. Trying to search wisteria that have more than one bloom cycle. So far...it's the only one coming up.
http://www.waysidegardens.com/amethyst-falls-wisteria/p/48952/

Wisteria frutescens Amethyst Falls
Our native Wisteria offers an excellent alternative to Oriental types -- it flowers dependably at a younger age, is noninvasive, and, being more compact, can be pruned to grow in large containers. This superior new selection produces lightly fragrant 4-6in, deep blue-purple cascades in late spring and again in summer.

Wisteria is a genus of deciduous vines whose lovely, fragrant flowers and almost overwhelming vigor make them useful in a wide variety of settings. Plants grow rapidly to 30ft and completely bury any structure they are allowed to annex. This rampant growth is easily controlled (and flowering is encouraged) by regular pruning. Plants thrive in full sun (or partial shade in the South) and average soil.

For more information about Wisteria, click Growing Guide.

And this link:
http://gardenersconfidence.com/plants/amethyst-falls-wisteria

Wisteria
VIBRANT PURPLE BLOOMS LATE SPRING THROUGH THE SUMMER
Add beauty to the garden with vibrant purple blooms that begin in late spring and continue throughout the summer months. Amethyst Falls Wisteria is a North American native selection that is fast growing and non-invasive. Place on arbor, trellis or use as a focal point in the garden. A wonderful selection for attracting butterflies.

Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls'

Curious since mine is producing a second bloom cycle...and spent bloom stems were smaller than the other variety...if this might be the one I have. If so...seems I quite lucked out. Not as showy as the longer blooms. But...still nice, more frequent blooms...and considered non-invasive verses the the nightmares others think of when they think of wisteria.