Limber Pine care help

[CaptainFuzzy]

Hello All,

I just purchased an Andy Smith collected limber pine during the August bonsai show here in Chicago.

It has some yellowing needles, but I figured for the price, if I can get this tree thriving, or not, then this is at worst a good learning lesson.

I would love some tips on watering, sunlight, and fertilizing needs. I’ve studied soils and have a few pines, but five needle pines in the past have been a challenge for me. This is a quick check for myself to make sure I’m on top of my research and work so far because I would hate to lose this tree due to basic care miscalculations. Located in Chicago. Full sun. I plan on placing it in my green house where it will get around 33 degrees its first year. Shade cover and watering the canopy multiple times a day when it’s over 85 degrees. I plan to let it freeze in March outside the green house.


Thanks all!

 

[Cruiser]

When was the tree collected?

If it stays in a green house ensure it gets adequate air flow.
Why water the canopy? That will promote needle fungus.

I would read up on white pine blister rust. It affects nearly all 5 needle pines, especially limber. Other diseases too, just in case something pops up.

If the tree is recovered from collection, I would keep it in full sun in a place with good airflow. No shade cloth. When it gets hot, insulate the pot.

You can remove the dead and yellow needles. It will help prevent fungus and promote bud formation.

Read about limber pine in the wild. As it is with any living thing, understanding its ecology promotes good care and management in a domesticated setting.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/pinfle/all.html

 

[Vincent Tanner]

I’d reach out to Andy. He is extremely helpful with trees you buy from him. He also has the advantage of knowing the history of this tree, what kind of heath it’s in, etc. Find his email on his website, Golden Arrow Bonsai.

The branch tips look vibrant green, dense, and strong. Might just be old needles

PS— cool tree!!

 

[CaptainFuzzy]

Thank you guys for the tips there. I'll go and bug Andy soon as well

 

[Colorado]

Why bother with the greenhouse? Limber pines grow where it is about as cold as it gets in the winter. It can handle a Chicago winter no problem. I’d just put it on the ground and shovel some snow around and on top of the pot when it snows. Also it does not need shade in the summer.

Have fun! Love limber pine!

 

[MaciekA]

I have studied limber pine at a professional garden and just finished wiring a big one at my teacher’s a couple weeks back. I’m with @Colorado on this: steer clear of the greenhouse and shade.

Also, if I can be blunt because these things are actually rare / precious / special:

If you care about this tree for real-real then set aside the idea of developing limber pine via “tips and tricks” and guessing your way through pines. Seek out single flush pine training directly from someone who really knows western US pines and has made their canopies bushy over time. A few odds and ends about soils and fertilizers and sunlight are the “tip” of the iceberg with developing limber pine and it would be a huge shame to leave it at that.