Crimson queen nursery stock.

[johnl445]

I saw this tree at my local nursery recently, and it has a natural weeping branches. I’m just curious as to why this tree isn’t more desirable for a bonsai. I feel it looks beautiful, but maybe I’m missing something that you guys know. Obviously, the graft is ugly

 

[Gabler]

I don't know about this cultivar in particular, but most of these tend to be weak on their own roots, slow to grow, leggy, sensitive to cold, susceptible to disease, and probably a bunch of other things I'm forgetting to list.

That's not meant to scare you away from giving it a try, but when a species is rare in bonsai, there's often a good reason, and you should be ready to deal with setbacks and work around limitations.

 

[johnl445]

Ok @Gabler , that makes a lot of sense. Tell me what you think of the branch structure. Maple tree is not naturally weeping, i
Think the branches look really nice

 

[Gabler]

Ok @Gabler , that makes a lot of sense. Tell me what you think of the branch structure. Maple tree is not naturally weeping, i
Think the branches look really nice

I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but those branches would all be chopped off if you're developing the tree properly.

Article - Chopping Maple trees

Learn the difference and how to make pine tree looking maples and the spreading meadow maple.

www.bonsainut.com

You could get around that by using some of them as sacrifice branches to thicken the trunk and keeping the others, but even the branches you would keep would need to be hacked back pretty far to build ramification and taper.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Graft not bad at all. Considerably better than MANY. Also lower trunk not straight stick as many JM grafts are which if front viewing angle chosen correctly can work out well. Upper"weeping" branches MAY have been pulled down unnaturally based on observation of other non weeping branches present. As mentioned unless keeping some upper branches to grow trunk size would remove all down to 3rd branch eventually as trunk is mostly straightish boring stove pipe most of way to top and continuing sideways. Some do not like these as Japanese do not generally like lace leaf maples for Bonsai and snobs slavishly follow what is Japanese "taste". Personally like them. As general rule JM tree very slow to develop trunk size. Requires much time and patience many do not have. Generally JM can be cut back pretty hard and will grow new branches from dormant nodes. Best to practice first on sacrifical branches to prevent future bad mistake. Strong advice/suggestion to not repot until just before buds open when just seeing first sign of life and do not attempt sandwich into Bonsai pot until last stage of development after some years time. Growing container or ground growing needed to develop trunk. Ground grow fastest if present to avail self of. Best fortune with it.

 

[johnl445]

@Potawatomi13 thank you very much friend. Great directions to move forward with.