Korean lilac repotting

[James W.]

I have several Korean lilacs that I have had for a few years as pretty bushes in their original nursery pots. When I repot them this winter how much can I reduce the root ball? 90% like I might for an elm or crab apple?

 

[Gabler]

Is there a reason you plan to repot them in the winter instead of waiting till spring?

 

[James W.]

Is there a reason you plan to repot them in the winter instead of waiting till spring?

They are dormant now and now is when I might have time. Too many trees need work, I can't wait for all of them to be that one perfect week.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Wondering if these bushes are intended to be merely placed back in nursery pots or used to create bonsai?

In any event, one can’t force timing of a technique unless they are able to properly care for the trees afterwards.
Wondering if there is a greenhouse or similar controlled climate environment where light is available and heat can be regulated?

In any event wouldn’t event chopping 90% of the roots off, at least for the first time, until one has a good idea how that cultivar reacts.

Cheers
DSD senda

 

[James W.]

I am able to take care of them after repotting. I have never had a problem with other deciduous trees at this time of year, will these react differently? Buds on maples and crab apples are swelling, these lilacs seem to wait just a little longer. Realistically I most likely won't get to them until the middle of February, I have some junipers that need attention first.
I am planning on moving them into Anderson flats or cut down nursery pots.

Based on the lack of information to the contrary I will reduce the roots a minimum to fit into their new home.

 

[leatherback]

I have some junipers that need attention first.

Hm.. Interesting... Junipers come after deciduous, before pines, in my spring lineup. They do respond a lot better to rootwork if done later in spring.

how much can I reduce the root ball? 90% like I might for an elm or crab apple?

I have found a shrub pulled from a garden once, which had just a few root stumps. Potted it up in fall. In spring it woke up without major problems.
Not sure it is exactly a korean one, as I keep on running into new definitions and varieties! This is the shrub I am talking about: https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/small-leaf-lilac-ready-for-the-show.37658/

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Just trying to get a handle on your intentions. Images would help.

Mid to late Feb is fine, given protection. End of Feb is when we do ours. Your weather tends to be a bit warmer this time of the year based upon my time living in Dumfries area.

Usual reduction is about 50-60 percent, including all circling roots. Ultimately, depends upon what is found under the media.

Based upon experience with our bonsai lilacs, they are pretty tough, but seem to prefer a deeper container to flower reliably.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[James W.]

Hm.. Interesting... Junipers come after deciduous, before pines, in my spring lineup. They do respond a lot better to rootwork if done later in spring.


I have found a shrub pulled from a garden once, which had just a few root stumps. Potted it up in fall. In spring it woke up without major problems.
Not sure it is exactly a korean one, as I keep on running into new definitions and varieties! This is the shrub I am talking about: https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/small-leaf-lilac-ready-for-the-show.37658/

I would like to wait until later for the junipers but I have a bunch of pines and spruce that need work, too. Trying to balance priorities with available time! The junipers seem to be a bit more forgiving.
Your progression is what has encouraged me to proceed with these "Miss Kim" lilacs. Originally they were pretty bushes for my wife but she has some nice French lilacs in the yard now that actually smell better.

Just trying to get a handle on your intentions. Images would help.

Mid to late Feb is fine, given protection. End of Feb is when we do ours. Your weather tends to be a bit warmer this time of the year based upon my time living in Dumfries area.

Usual reduction is about 50-60 percent, including all circling roots. Ultimately, depends upon what is found under the media.

Based upon experience with our bonsai lilacs, they are pretty tough, but seem to prefer a deeper container to flower reliably.

Cheers
DSD sends

Thank you. I will keep that in mind.