Anyone here with Arbutus species?

[AnacortesSteve]

I have 7 Marina I just bought, had some frost damage so got them for $5 each, potted and worked on this one, removed the flaky bark, really beautiful tree.
I won't mess with the rest until next winter and the leaves have grown out and gotten more healthy.

 

[Davonairos]

After a camping trip among old growth Pacific madrones I was inspired to pick up some strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo compact). I’ve heard madrones are not bonsai friendly. Strawberry trees look similar and I hear they’re more forgiving.

Unfortunately there does not seem to be much information about them being used as a bonsai subject in America. Mostly what I’m finding is general guidelines.
I’m looking for more detailed information, like Vance Woods writings on Mugos.

Anyway, if someone out there has tips, thoughts, or musings on this genus that they’d like to share, I’d appreciate it.

I’ve included pics of some of the old madrones I saw and the two trees I picked up.

I potted this nursery madrone about 3 months ago, mid Feb, in SoCal. Doing really well so far.

 

[Cruiser]

I potted this nursery madrone about 3 months ago, mid Feb, in SoCal. Doing really well so far.

Looking good.
I’m sure that SoCal weather will keep it happy.

 

[RKatzin]

I potted this nursery madrone about 3 months ago, mid Feb, in SoCal. Doing really well so far.

This looks like one of the other two Madrone varieties. There's an Arizona and a Texas Madrone. Both are small to medium size trees.

 

[RKatzin]

I just picked up a brace of Pacific Madrone seedlings in four inch pots. I selected two pots with only one tree per and two with multiple seedlings in each.
I have pruned and sculptured several Pacific Madrone in the surrounding area and they take well to shaping. It's been a challenge to capture a live one so I'm going to try starting from scratch and see if I can't sneak up on it.