TX Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) transplant survival rate?

[Poink88]

What is the expected survival rate of TX Sage after it was yanked out of the ground (w/ barely any fine roots left)?

I chanced a landscaping crew today about to dispose several mature TX Sage (hedge) that they yanked off the ground w/ chains . I asked if I can have them and they allowed me. I believe they just finished uprooting them an hour or 2 before I got there. My main concern now is if they even have a chance of surviving after that treatment. Anything I can do to help increase their chances?

Any input will be much appreciated.
EDIT IN: Here are pics of some of them (I got 19 total ).

Thank you!

 

[garywood]

Dario, I've had very good luck with them. They issue abundant new roots through the flaky bark when planted a little deep after collecting or transplanting. Surprisingly, as long as the soil is free draining, they do well with typical bonsai watering practice

 

[Poink88]

Wow good to hear that Gary. I sure hope some of these make it...they are very nice with twisty trunks.

 

[Poink88]

Added some pics at OP.

 

[frozenoak]

Those twisted trunks can't be natural,,,can they?

 

[jkd2572]

The twisted trunks are natural. I have an old shopping center by my house that is surrounded by about 200 of these. Everyone one has those crazy twisted trunks. Every time I go over there I stare at those crazy twisted trunks. Good find Dario. I'm have been thinking of what I could do with these for years. I will grab a pick next time I'm over there hope they are still in bloom. I sea of blue blooms.

 

[frozenoak]

That is crazy and amazing. I hope they make it.

 

[Poink88]

The twisted trunks are natural.

What he said.

I will grab a pick next time I'm over there hope they are still in bloom. I sea of blue blooms.

It sure is amazing when they are in bloom. Most I've seen are purple and a few white. I only hope the flowers last longer. I would love to see a bluish variety. Please post when you get some pics!

 

[rockm]

Niice. Fingers crossed for you.

I've had my eye on a few barberries with huge trunks growing in the parking lot median at the local Walmart. Busted, scarred and spectacular...bonsai is where you find it.

 

[bonsaibp]

Potentially a great score. Hope you have a great survival rate.

 

[Poink88]

Potentially is very accurate... and I am keeping my fingers crossed too.

Thank rockm and Bob!

 

[crust]

Some years a ago there was a little surge in collecting these things, from what I understand virtually none are alive. If they do survive the do not live long--I believe the synopsis was that they have a overwhelming need to have a huge diffuse root system and won't live in a pot. I have never tried them but I have admired the millions growing afield.

 

[stacy allen muse]

??????????????

 

[jkd2572]

Here are the pics of the old hedge in tHe Walgreens parking lot. All of the trunks look like the pics here. Sorry the blooms were all gone.

 

[jkd2572]

And more

 

[Poink88]

Jeremy,

Thanks for sharing these pics. Mine are basically the same before they were yanked out.

Most of these plants have buds already, very likely they are stored energy growth though. Still good sign and I hope the plants can keep them.

 

[Poink88]

Most of these (not all) have buds...some are healthy & vigorous looking but most are very weak and looking like the plant's last attempt to recover. Sadly, at the rate things are going, I might lose at least 2/3 of these now Still better than nothing.

Lessons learned #1. TX Sage prefers growing new leaves after collection. Don't bother saving old leaves, most will drop in about a week anyway. Tender & thinner branches tend to dry up (die back) as well. The ones that I pre-empted and cut back hard are performing better. Not sure if this is only a coincidence. I wonder if root disturbance when re-potting will trigger the same reaction, I hope not.


Lessons learned #2. It buds back easily, even at old hardwood...mostly where there previously was very active growth. You can see by observing the bark where it is plump/swollen and still greenish in color under. Or at the base of active branches.

 

[Anthony]

Dario,

I am very sorry to hear that. I had hoped that you would have lucked out and had if not all, many survive.
Anthony

 

[Poink88]

Welcome to B-Nut Anthony!

I am sorry too but I knew they were in bad shape to begin with so I am sad but prepared for it. I prefer more to survive of course, but even if only one makes it, the effort is worth it.

 

[edprocoat]

The trunk could be natural although it would take an odd occurence of winds. I know that many landscapers in the late 80's early 90's used to twist trees to get that look and keep them from growing out wide, especially near fences and parking areas. It does make a nice look, reminds me of the braided Ficus that was so popular at the same time.

ed