Stewartia Monadelpha

[JudyB]

It’s been cold since repotting, so the trees are moving slowly. Cool shot of leaves emerging while the branch structure is still visible.
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So nice.

 

[Scrogdor]

Yes! 2 growing seasons separates the two photos below.
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Really awesome transformation, it's great to see some more slender/graceful bonsai once in a while. I do have a question regarding the second picture. Is there any reason to worry about inverse taper developing up near the top where it looks like several branches are coming out of the same junction? Or can that be controlled by simply keeping all those branches short?

 

[ABCarve]

Looks great Brian! I’m on the prowl for one. Is there any particular reason you choose this variety? I haven’t seen any mention of flowers. I haven’t seen one in a pot flowering, so is there a reason for this?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Really awesome transformation, it's great to see some more slender/graceful bonsai once in a while. I do have a question regarding the second picture. Is there any reason to worry about inverse taper developing up near the top where it looks like several branches are coming out of the same junction? Or can that be controlled by simply keeping all those branches short?

The branches will always need to be replaced as they get too thick to avoid bad swelling in congested areas.

Looks great Brian! I’m on the prowl for one. Is there any particular reason you choose this variety? I haven’t seen any mention of flowers. I haven’t seen one in a pot flowering, so is there a reason for this?

Monadelpha has smaller leaves and finer ramification than Pseudocamellia. Not sure about the flowers, but think it flowers on new growth, which is probably pruned away before it gets a chance to set flower buds.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Before and after it’s first haircut of the season.

 

[MACH5]

Before and after it’s first haircut of the season.
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Loving it!

Also loving the pic of your kid with Peter, apparently showing him how to drive on the right side of the road!

 

[dbonsaiw]

Awesome

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

 

[dbonsaiw]

Looking awesome. How tall is the tree?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Looking awesome. How tall is the tree?

29” above the rim.

 

[dbonsaiw]

So I did a little structure-pruning in July, so some of the wounds would start to heal.

Is August too late for structural pruning on a stewartia?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

A couple update shots of the Stewartia. Fall color was good, but unfortunately wind took out leaves unevenly,

 

[MACH5]

Beauty!!

 

[Nybonsai12]

You’ve churned out a really nice tree in such a short period of time. I enjoy all of your work immensely but I have to ask, are you happy with the pot? I don’t know what it is but the front foot on this pot throws the image off for me. Not the shape, not the color, just that front foot. The tree looks very, very good,

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

You’ve churned out a really nice tree in such a short period of time. I enjoy all of your work immensely but I have to ask, are you happy with the pot? I don’t know what it is but the front foot on this pot throws the image off for me. Not the shape, not the color, just that front foot. The tree looks very, very good,

Thanks Brian, honestly I am not 100% sold on the pot; for the same reason as you. The base of the tree and foot create a mirror effect that doesn’t accentuate the best of either, and really draws the eye. In person, it’s not quite as bad because the shape bows out and hides it a little. I’ll give the tree a few years to grow into the pot, or I’ll find something better.

 

[JudyB]

The buds on Stewys are so weird, I have a Korean version, and it looks like it’s ready to pop leaves as soon as the old leaves come off. Looking super nice and filled in.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Good first flush of growth this week.

 

[JudyB]

Looking very full this year.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

This thing is loaded with flower buds.

 

[JudyB]

This thing is loaded with flower buds.
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how exciting!