Get Shorty

[Daluke]

Hey guys - what type of dwarfs are you using for Bonsai? I’m looking at compiling a list of dwarfs / shortys to work with. Please add!

Hokkaido elm
Serissa
Kingsville box
Chojubai
Bougainvillea smarty pants
persimmon rhombifolia
Millettia
Callicarpa
Ilex serrata

 

[Shibui]

I've found that dwarf varieties are not always good for bonsai. many grow very slowly so it actually takes longer to develop a bonsai from a true dwarf than from the more vigorous species.
These are not actually dwarf cultivars or species but these are some of the ones I have success with for small bonsai
Buxus harlandii - Taiwan box
Cotoneaster damerii
Cotoneaster horizontalis
'Seiju' Chinese elm
Lonicera nitens - dwarf honeysuckle

 

[rockm]

Shibui is right. Dwarf varieties aren't really great material for bonsai, with a few exceptions, like kingsville boxwood. They grow too slowly to develop, where as more "normal" varieties grow quickly enough and strongly enough for bonsai cultivation.

 

[QuantumSparky]

+1 on just using standard varieties instead of dwarf cultivars. "Trees with genetically stunted growth" isn't really an aspect of proper bonsai. It's all about the techniques and care. I'd rather have a vigorous common species than any slow-growing dwarf variety.

 

[sorce]

Premna is the only "dwarf" that seems to not come with the "problems" of dwarf stuff, but adds the tropical "problem".

You'll faster and cheaper have 3 good regular boxwoods from 8 than the one "dwarf" that someone hasn't messed up and is willing to sell for less than too much.

Sorce

 

[cmeg1]

I'd rather have a vigorous common species than any slow-growing dwarf variety.

I totally agree.
My favorite as of late is a mix of the two.A vigorous common species……and just ramp down the nitrate.
Can be quite interesting,but will need patience…….kind of like having a dwarf variety

When you need quick growing it’s ready.

I have Field Maple seedlings with 1/4” internodes…………….
Getting ready to do kelp foliar feedings right now actually.Largly the factor in this results.
All experiments!!!

 

[cmeg1]

Funny when you slow growth,which I aalmost always do in these initial stages to pump a seedlings roots,they can get really high brix and sometimes will actually start pushing root nubs along the stem from so much natural rooting harmones being produced from photosynthesis and not having to use all energy to assimilate nitrogen.
If I was to girdle this it would probably root in a matter of days………
Can see the future nubs that would root…….They are also getting a 1:1 ratio N:K motherplant nutrient so I can girdle them next season as the bases are all curled up.

After 3 weeks of a boost in mono ammonium phosphate I finally increased NPK on these a couple days ago.
I need a good batch of seed as I want tons of field maple.

View attachment 392498

 

[cmeg1]

Funny when you slow growth,which I aalmost always do in these initial stages to pump a seedlings roots,they can get really high brix and sometimes will actually start pushing root nubs along the stem from so much natural rooting harmones being produced from photosynthesis and not having to use all energy to assimilate nitrogen.
If I was to girdle this it would probably root in a matter of days………
They are also fed a 1:1 N:K motherplant nutrient so I can ground layer the ugly curling bases next season.

After 3 weeks of a boost in mono ammonium phosphate I finally increased NPK on these a couple days ago.
I need a good batch of seed as I want tons of field maple.

 

[hinmo24t]

Funny when you slow growth,which I aalmost always do in these initial stages to pump a seedlings roots,they can get really high brix and sometimes will actually start pushing root nubs along the stem from so much natural rooting harmones being produced from photosynthesis and not having to use all energy to assimilate nitrogen.
If I was to girdle this it would probably root in a matter of days………
They are also fed a 1:1 N:K motherplant nutrient so I can ground layer the ugly curling bases next season.

After 3 weeks of a boost in mono ammonium phosphate I finally increased NPK on these a couple days ago.
I need a good batch of seed as I want tons of field maple.

View attachment 392499

next level with propagation on here!

 

[Daluke]

This wasn’t meant to be a vote on whether dwarfs are better to work with than other species - I was wanting to know what dwarf or small (short leaf) cultivators you are working with for bonsai.