Deodar cedrus, the good, the bad and the ugly

[Rose Mary]

Hi group
thought I would try posting a deodar I have had for a number of years.
A favorite, as it kinda looks like a real bonsai.
I was sad when a branch died from a little too much, a failed experiment.
Mostly clip, grow n pluck tho there are some wire marks from trying to get a new apex one year
sorry for the photo repeats tried to delete. Tried to show some ramification branches but did not show very well

 

[my nellie]

... ...thought I would try posting a deodar I have had for a number of years... ...

Beautiful tree, Rose Mary!
Looks like you are not satisfied yet with the size, still growing this out.
Or are you planning to put it into a bonsai pot?

 

[Rose Mary]

Thank you for your comment Nellie is it?)
I lost the apex if this tree in some strong wind gusts that took it down onto a solid corner.
Still trying to figure an apex without the whole dead top, rip and tear down thing.
Have also wondered about an air layer just below the branch I killed. I don't know if deodar air layer. I need to do more research.
This tree took well to the chops over time. It is now 21 inches tall above the soil line and I actually had it in a shallow pot,
but it is too top heavy. It has a very compact roots system. I needed more weight to hold it down and had it inadequately attached to the stand
and it was a pain to keep watered adequately!
So glad you asked, as I did want to make a comment that my trees are all PRE-Bonsai.
And I do have most of them in grow pots and working on needle and root reduction.
Getting them to dwarf and be ready for the next step.
I remember reading some of your posts a few years back. Admired your setup

 

[my nellie]

Thank you for your comment Nellie is it?)
This is Alexandra
I lost the apex if this tree in some strong wind gusts that took it down onto a solid corner.
Still trying to figure an apex without the whole dead top, rip and tear down thing.
Dead apexes are commonly seen on conifers and they are a point of interest and attraction on bonsai if properly carved. You don't like them?

My trees are also "potensai" into training pots. I am in no hurry to put them into a proper bonsai pot but honestly I am dreaming about it
Looking at photos is most of the time deceiving, not representing the real image of trees... so looking at your photos I believe that your cedar needs some trimming and pruning so that branch structure is more accurately visible, if I may say.
But you will hopefully get expert suggestions on your tree from other members.

 

[Rose Mary]

Alexandra, yes it is a bit shaggy, didnt keep up with things this last summer-fires, smoke, heat and air quality kept me inside a lot. This tree has been an easy keeper so does get neglected. I moved it up on the porch where I have to walk by it to get to the yard,so it is getting some needle plucking as I go by.
I did take some more pics today in different light. Its so hard for me to get any dimention in photos. Did get some that will show more of the layers I hope. If so I will post them later.

 

[Vance Wood]

The problem with true Cedars is the strong propensity to produce whorl/knuckle growths where the branches emerge.

 

[Rose Mary]

The problem with true Cedars is the strong propensity to produce whorl/knuckle growths where the branches emerge.

The problem with true Cedars is the strong propensity to produce whorl/knuckle growths where the branches emerge.

 

[Rose Mary]

I did get some nasty scars when I did put a little wire on and forgot it. And there are some other big ugly scars as shown.
Tried to get some pics today with more clarity not sure if they are any better.

 

[Vance Wood]

You seem to have done very well with your pruning to get the tree to go beyond the problem I pointed out earlier. Nice job.

 

[jriddell88]

Awesome trunk , looks like it’s filling in good !

 

[KiwiPlantGuy]

I did get some nasty scars when I did put a little wire on and forgot it. And there are some other big ugly scars as shown.
Tried to get some pics today with more clarity not sure if they are any better.

Hi Rose Mary,
Yaaaa, well done on getting your tree this far. . Great needle color and shortness of needle.
So, my propagation knowledge says that Cedrus deodar roots by semi hardwood quite easily, so it might take a while to get roots from an airlayer, so COULD be possible. Only problem you have is the age of the tree means that the wood may be too old to get any roots. My 2 cents and good luck if you try.
Have you got ( or tried) any Cedrus atlantica or Cedrus Libani. Great short needle and are fun too.


My wee babies lol, right hand one very hungry as found at the local nursery root bound etc.
Charles

 

[my nellie]

You seem to have done very well with your pruning to get the tree to go beyond the problem I pointed out earlier. Nice job.

Exactly!

 

[Rose Mary]

But you will hopefully get expert suggestions on your tree from other members.

that is what I am hoping for! It is said deodar aren't good bonsai candidates. someone else have them?

 

[Giga]

Great job, for me there are a few too many branches. I like to add a bit of negative space and not so many tree's as old tree's don't have a super full canopy. Though put it in a pot first, then make what ever removal you do(if you do).

 

[Wilson]

Do you have a front picked out? I definitely like this one!

 

[Rose Mary]

Do you have a front picked out? I definitely like this one!

which one for front?

 

[Rose Mary]

Great job, for me there are a few too many branches. I like to add a bit of negative space and not so many tree's as old tree's don't have a super full canopy. Though put it in a pot first, then make what ever removal you do(if you do).

thank you. I think so as well.
after losing one by accident, I have been reluctant to take more but know it needs thinned.
I have been plucking and pulling ends as I walk by the last couple days. lol and may have a different look in a few more days.
Hoping for imput.
I had it in a small shallow pot as its roots are compact. It was too easily tipped, and could hardly keep up with its watering needs so I just put it back in a pond basket.

 

[Wilson]

I like that there is more space(like Giga mentioned) from this angle. It has an appearance of an old eastern white pine. You could remove this top part, or keep it.

 

[jriddell88]

I like that top , the slight taper continues all the way to the apex , I would not remove it

 

[Rose Mary]

Bonsainut admin
Can you make the photos in post 7 show as thumbnails instead of full size?