Arakawa Japanese Maple

[Gabler]

I was surprised when I first learned that evergreen conifers were displayed in the winter silhouette show. Based on the name, I had assumed it was deciduous only.

 

[MACH5]

How strange for a deciduous to not win the “winter silhouette” show. That doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.

I’m speaking from pure emotions on my end with this tree that’s for sure John! I LOVE this deciduous tree. But this arakawa of Sergio’s hits so many benchmarks for exquisite specimen. Scarless trunk, with a hole right at the front that was clearly healed well over time that shows great handling. Rugged and soft. Great base. Zero reverse taper. And that third trunk that gives this tree just enough of a unique appearance to potentially stand out. Perhaps not in a good way to some, but it’s a very deliberate choice that i like. I’m pretty sure I’ve also heard that they don’t ramify easily, quite like other Acer varieties, so maybe it won’t be as twiggy as others?

Danny I appreciate your enthusiasm for this tree!

Arakawa maples are indeed a bit more difficult to ramify. In big part because they will not bud back on any areas with mature bark. They are also a bit coarser that your typical acer palmatum and it seems more often that we like, they drop the apical regions for no good reason. Part of the genetic make up. This tree did really well this year as almost all of the tiny interior twigs opened in the spring that will hopefully give it additional fine detail. All primaries and secondary branching have mature bark including the small third trunk. The tree now has began to attain that mochikomi aspect from years of growing in a pot that we all love in bonsai.

 

[MACH5]

I was surprised when I first learned that evergreen conifers were displayed in the winter silhouette show. Based on the name, I had assumed it was deciduous only.

The idea is to bring diversity into it as I would also see how a show with only deciduous species may become a bit monotonous.

 

[INDIGO-STEVE]

Arakawa as it winds down from another busy growing season and prepares to make its first public appearance at the Winter Silhouette show in Kannapolis, NC this December.

View attachment 570088

I live 5 miles from where the show is held. Are you doing any demonstrations this year?

 

[MACH5]

I live 5 miles from where the show is held. Are you doing any demonstrations this year?

I am not. Here is the link that will show this year's demonstrators, exhibitors and vendors.

Winter Silhouette Bonsai Show | Bonsai | 150 North Research Campus Drive, Kannapolis, NC, USA

Winter Silhouette Bonsai Show: Major national bonsai show in 12th year. Dec 7 and 8, 2024. 150 Research Campus Drive Kannapolis NC 28081 www.winterbonsai.net

www.winterbonsai.net

 

[MACH5]

The arakawa today a little past peak color. Some wire and guy wires are still on a few branches that will be removed before it goes on display at Kannapolis this December. Mossing will need to be done as well as some fine tune pruning. I also had a larger custom table made (not pictured) which should compliment the tree nicely.

 

[Pugs]

Lovely, simply lovely.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Everytime I see this tree, it becomes my favorite again.

 

[Ruddigger]

Fantastic as always.

 

[MACH5]

And just for shits and giggles, here is where we were 10 years ago.

 

[Nybonsai12]

And just for shits and giggles, here is where we were 10 years ago.

View attachment 572882

I don't think anyone could have done better with this material in 50 years, let alone 10. Every time i see it there is something i see that makes me like it more.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

I remember seeing this tree about three years ago when that low right third branch/trunk was just a tiny little whip. Looks like it has barked over well in such a short time.

 

[MACH5]

I don't think anyone could have done better with this material in 50 years, let alone 10. Every time i see it there is something i see that makes me like it more.

Scary how fast time flies! It seems like it was just yesterday that I won this tree in an EBay auction for $600.

 

[Carol 83]

Gorgeous

 

[badatusernames]

Amazing tree. Any tips on avoiding the apex drop? Or just treat it well and roll the dice?

I think the third trunk turns this tree from really good into something truly unique. It's like a little... "mwah! chef's kiss!" to the whole thing.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Man is it popping with the fall color and killer pot. Looking great, it will be a hit at the WSS.

 

[MACH5]

Amazing tree. Any tips on avoiding the apex drop? Or just treat it well and roll the dice?

I think the third trunk turns this tree from really good into something truly unique. It's like a little... "mwah! chef's kiss!" to the whole thing.

Sure! I suggest to not do any leaf cutting or pinching in the apical regions. Let those areas extend in the spring. Post hardening, then cut back as necessary.

Man is it popping with the fall color and killer pot. Looking great, it will be a hit at the WSS.

Thanks Bri! Hoping for a good showing.

 

[Adamski77]

si

And just for shits and giggles, here is where we were 10 years ago.

View attachment 572882

simply inspirational...

 

[Dabbler]

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

 

[Dav4]

I’d love to see this one in person… wish I didn’t live so far away from Kannapolis now