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Ligustrum_Sinensis
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- Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2006 8:56 am
Lilac as Bonsai ... ? :)
Hello ... I would like to know is someone has experiences with gorwing Lilac as bonsai ? Is there big differences between growing up normal tree and lilac. Does liac need special care or it's just tree as the other ones ... thx
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The Helpful Gardener
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- Location: Colchester, CT
Lilac trees are quite common and plentiful in Upstate New York where I live. This past spring I took a couple of suckers from one of my main trees and put them in a 5 gallon bucket. I wired one of the trunks to put a bend in it. They have been surviving just fine in the bucket. My question is, what further measures do I need to take to get these trees ready for bonsai? At the moment they are tall and skinny with leaves near the tops. Can I cut the top off to get the height I want and expect the tree to leave out again in the spring? When would be the best time to do that pruning assuming it is acceptable to do?
Decide on what you want for them, Have a plan in mind. Do they have small [or reducable] leaves and short internodes that would be appropriate for bonsai? [I am unfamilliar w/ them, sorry]MagicDan wrote: My question is, what further measures do I need to take to get these trees ready for bonsai? At the moment they are tall and skinny with leaves near the tops.
You need to find out if they Backbud [And how well.] Keep in mind that if you want to fatten them up they will need unrestricted growth {Because that is what increases girth.]MagicDan wrote: Can I cut the top off to get the height I want and expect the tree to leave out again in the spring?
[If acceptable] Late spring before the buds open.MagicDan wrote:
When would be the best time to do that pruning assuming it is acceptable to do?
Oh and invite Bill Valavanis over.
One quick internet surf session later:
Here is a care sheet https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Syringa.html -Huge leaves on these guys I see.
But it is possible: [url=https://img285.imageshack.us/my.php?image=lilacsyringacp4.jpg][img]https://img285.imageshack.us/img285/4843/lilacsyringacp4.th.jpg[/img][/url]
This one is by Walter Pall: [url=https://img303.imageshack.us/my.php?image=syringavulgariswpes1.jpg][img]https://img303.imageshack.us/img303/6422/syringavulgariswpes1.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Good luck!
ynot
Last edited by ynot on Mon Oct 23, 2006 7:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
ynot.... you really need to come up here to NY for a visit! We have so many lilacs up here we have a week long festival in a park entirely devoted to the lilac trees. They flower in white and a variety of purple shades.
Doesn't sound like a good candidate for bonsai. At any rate, I'll leave it in the bucket 'til spring before making a decision.
Once again, thanks for your help and information.
Doesn't sound like a good candidate for bonsai. At any rate, I'll leave it in the bucket 'til spring before making a decision.
Once again, thanks for your help and information.
Sounds amazing!MagicDan wrote: We have so many lilacs up here we have a week long festival in a park entirely devoted to the lilac trees. They flower in white and a variety of purple shades.
..And miss my Azaleafest? Never!MagicDan wrote:ynot.... you really need to come up here to NY for a visit! .
Yeah, unfortunately not eveything works out for bonsai...:shrug:MagicDan wrote:
Doesn't sound like a good candidate for bonsai. At any rate, I'll leave it in the bucket 'til spring before making a decision.
Once again, thanks for your help and information.
Your Very Welcome
ynot