Well, the U.S. National Arboretum calls two of them "evergreen to semi-evergreen" and used as a "sheared evergreen hedge" so at least we can use them: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Newintro/loro.pdf . Realistically, they're kind of leggy so no one is probably going to use them anyway.
Yes, the grayish bark does exofoliate with reddish inner bark. Have not tried rubbing oil on it to let it shines like a shimpaku bark.
Must be a regional thing. Mine have never lost a leaf even into the teens. Mother nature is so cool!
This is the first thing that pops into mind when I think of.the challenge rules! These are one of my favorite species for bonsai.
Really? Perhaps different varieties respond differently to cold weather. None of the ones I have owned here in SC have ever dropped their leaves in the winter. They may lose a few, but no more than an azalea or... Boxwood might. My Mother has a bunch as well and they never lose their leaves either.
I started mine two years ago from home depot.. put it in a five gallon bucket to thicken up, chopped it and wired up a new leader and started developing branches. It is the fastest growing plant I've worked with and is extremely hardy. I haven't ever cut anything down to no leaves if I planned on keeping it. It has developed quite fastand it will get a proper repot this year. First pic is when I got it and last picture is now. The leader still.needs to.thicken up a bit but I think its developing into something nice and I totallg agree about them being under used. I will probably use one for the challenge.
Wait.. You said they are evergreen, but they are not in leaf right now?
From your photos, I understood you meant not evergreen. A frequent omission when we type. The white blooms are also very pretty. Hope they flower for you soon.
