Chisai Ki
Sapling
Hello, all! Between an elm and a boxwood tree, which is easier to grow for a beginner?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Elm or Boxwood for a Beginner?
- Thread starter Chisai Ki
- Start date
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Elm is. It is fast growing tough and can take some abuse
Boxwood tend to be a little more sensitive to soil and forget about wiring one if the wood has hardened. It’s tough too but more susceptible to overwatering (which is a common thing beginners do)
Boxwood tend to be a little more sensitive to soil and forget about wiring one if the wood has hardened. It’s tough too but more susceptible to overwatering (which is a common thing beginners do)
The Barber
Chumono
I vote elm as well, they are pretty bulletproof as far as trees go. You might be able to collect some native elms up there in Indiana as well.
roberthu
Chumono
Elm for sure. Fast growing, can be evergreen or deciduous, reacts well to hard cut backs and wiring.
Bonsai Nut
Nuttier than your average Nut
Elm. Much faster growing, much more forgiving.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
lets not forget the boxwood moths killing them off faster than you can take cuttings.
What?
leatherback
The Treedeemer
Cydalima perspectalis - Wikipedia
Michael P
Omono
Elm.
SFDrake
Mame
Crap...eastern united states.....have to keep an eye on my boxwood nowCydalima perspectalis - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
SFDrake
Mame
I have both and the elm is easier and grows faster for me.
Thats why i cant have boxwood, all neighboors changed their hedges to another plants and local park boxwoods were eaten and died.. very annoying and devastating moth :/Cydalima perspectalis - Wikipedia
shimbrypaku
Shohin
Knock on wood, boxwoods (kingsville, Hoffmans dwarf, Japanese , morris midget ) all do great in my environment. Dwarf Chinese elms are more of a challenge for me.
Thanks
Thanks
penumbra
Imperial Masterpiece
Both. Yes, I am very serious.
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
Yep. Elm for sure. Wire, cut, and repot galore. They are very forgiving.
On the flip side, boxwoods are very tough and hardy as well. Wonderfully small leaves, and ramify very quickly.
Even though they are slower growing, look out for wire scaring.
Fan of both.
Chisai Ki
Sapling
Looking at some of the retailers online, seems like most of the younger elms are already bent in generic “S” shape. Any tips on buying one that is not already in that shape and is not just a brand new one, as I am not sure I have the skills to start at that point.
…. And I am noticing several of the online sellers are using the same pictures for trees they allegedly have for sale.
…. And I am noticing several of the online sellers are using the same pictures for trees they allegedly have for sale.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
just get a living elm and work it to the best of your abilities. They are crazy forgiving, grow like the devil is chasing them and nothing can kill them [except for the Dutch].
Push yourself.
shimbrypaku
Shohin
Evergreen garden works, their stock can be hit or miss in my opinion.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Don’t buy stuff off of eBay Etsy etc. there are so good trees both places but the f you don’t know what you’re looking you can go wrong (stolen pics is a warning sign as is the “this isn’t the exact tree you get” note on some sellers
Matt Ouwinga at kaede en bonsai typically has good material and a stellar rep.
Bill Valavanis at international bonsai as well. You can try your luck with Brussels bonsai too
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