Spirea coming along

[davetree]

Here is a shohin spirea that I have worked on for a few years. I had to regrow the top this year due to some dieback that occurs with these. It's getting better, I have let a few shoots stay on for strength that need to be cleaned up this fall. Pics are front side, back side, and with labradoodle.

Spirea are interesting bonsai but can be difficult due to their habit of sprouting from the base at the expense of the top branches. This one had to have the apex rebuilt this year.

 

[coh]

Looks good! I'm always checking the nurseries for spirea that have built some trunk size but they are very rare. I have two in the ground that I might be able to dig up some day, but they are for the most part producing sucker type growth.

Chris

 

[davetree]

I think if you keep cutting the suckers it helps force growth in the trunk.

 

[JudyB]

Who's a big sweetie...
Love the tail shot.
Interesting trunk for spirea, how did you develop this one?

 

[davetree]

This is a nursery tree that was $10 or so, I don't remember now. To my surprise, the trunk has gotten fatter in the pot. They are hard to find with good trunks, that's why I keep it around, I guess. Not a typical bonsai species. This tree has beautiful lavender flowers, red spring color and usually great fall color. I have three spirea, some of the first bonsai I ever had still with me.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Great little tree!

 

[jk_lewis]

How large is this one?

 

[davetree]

How large is this one?

It's about 9 or 10 inches tall. The trunk is just about 3 inches at the base. The trunk has fattened considerably since this tree has been in the pot.