Forestiera neomexicana-interesting species

[Altariel17]

I was at a local nursery recently and this plant caught my eye-its a New Mexican Privet. What really drew my attention was the unique shape of the roots. From what I've read, it responds well to hard cutbacks, which I'm planning on doing as soon as I decide how I want to style it.

Does anyone have experience with this species? The plant was cheap enough that I figured I would just give it a shot and see where I can get with it.

 

[Vin]

Could be interesting. Looks like its worth a shot to me.

 

[aml1014]

I was at a local nursery recently and this plant caught my eye-its a New Mexican Privet. What really drew my attention was the unique shape of the roots. From what I've read, it responds well to hard cutbacks, which I'm planning on doing as soon as I decide how I want to style it.

Does anyone have experience with this species? The plant was cheap enough that I figured I would just give it a shot and see where I can get with it. View attachment 97867 View attachment 97868 View attachment 97869

The new mexico privet, is actually in the olive family. They grow quickly but thicken slowly. Luckily they have small leaves and nice flowers so this could definitely be made into a shohin. They handle bonsai techniques very well, and are very drought tolerant so watch out for overwatering. Good luck with his little guy, they are natives here (I'm in albuquerque new mexico) so I'll watch this thread and see what you do.

Aaron

 

[Altariel17]

Here is the little guy again, post haircut. I took quite a bit off. The branches look very green and healthy under the bark.

 

[Altariel17]

 

[Altariel17]

Here is a (very crude) depiction of what I'm eventually hoping to do with this guy. I would like the trunk on the left to parallel the movement of the trunk on the right, but smaller and shorter.

 

[aml1014]

Here is a (very crude) depiction of what I'm eventually hoping to do with this guy. I would like the trunk on the left to parallel the movement of the trunk on the right, but smaller and shorter. View attachment 97965

If this is how big you want it, I'd cut those 3 thicker shoots back further to induce some movement and start getting taper in the trunkline.

Aaron

 

[Altariel17]

You make a good point, Aaron. I tend to be a bit conservative on cutting once I get close to the shape I'm looking for.
I'll do some additional cutting on it this afternoon and post pics.

 

[Altariel17]

Here we are after today's trim