Incense cedar candelabra progression

[parhamr]

Calocedrus decurrens is not a common bonsai subject but I'm giving it a go with two volunteer seedlings. It's a native tree, here, so that's part of my enthusiasm for the species.

With this particular tree I am attempting to replicate the candelabra form I have seen in photos and out in some of my forest adventures. I chopped the trunk and I'm growing out a canopy that will feature dead apices and require a process of multiple, successive leaders.

June 2015


October 2015


February 2016


November 2016


I've just completed its first wiring and foliage thinning. I'm trying to approach the branches with similar techniques as junipers: remove crotch growths, select for alternating branches, reduce to forks of two branches, and develop flat foliage pads.

This tree has many years of development to go before it's show ready. I'm enjoying the journey so far and deeply appreciate how low maintenance the species is.

 

[parhamr]

Inspiration:

 

[defra]

Cool project looking forward to the updates !!!!

 

[Tycoss]

I have a collected spruce I discussed in another thread that is already taking on this shape. I find natural trunks with this form to be very impressive, and you seem to have the skill to pull off the image well.

 

[Tycoss]

My future candelabra Picea glauca:

 

[Tycoss]

I really enjoy hearing about people trying relatively unknown native species for bonsai. Having them inspired by Local growth patterns is an interesting way to go about it too. I look forward to seeing it develop.

 

[parhamr]

My yard shows some cedar-apple rust spores, so I’ve treated with generic Cleary’s 3336 in a dilution of 1 teaspoon to 32 ounces of water.

 

[0soyoung]

My yard shows some cedar-apple rust spores

You have a sporometer?

 

[parhamr]

@0soyoung orange bits on the foliage

 

[PaulH]

Here's one collected from the Sierras.

 

[parhamr]

I’m surprised I haven’t posted photos from 2017. Maybe I didn’t take any.

I’ve allowed it to get shrubby this year and it’s thickening up in a pleasing way.

 

[parhamr]

This tree and my other calocedrus decurrens are both slightly afflicted with Seiridium Canker, which has recently expanded in the Pacific Northwest. I might be able to control it without too much branch loss.

I’ve seen trees all around the Portland Metro area with evidence of the disease, so management might be difficult. Fortunately, a strong tree with adequate water and prophylactic fungicide is the recommended mitigation strategy.

 

[AlainK]

Pests and diseases are easier to keep at bay on potted trees than on street plantations.

Er...

A bit radical?

 

[parhamr]

A bit radical?

Yes. That’s not a candelabra form.

 

[defra]

This is my candelabra attempt nice to see others trying as well!

 

[AlainK]

Yes. That’s not a candelabra form.

OK!

(But you could call it "modern bonsai" )

 

[defra]

Today i realized that almost every chestnut tree i see grows this way too

 

[parhamr]

It’s progressing well! The bark is exfoliating and growth is vigorous. The tree clearly likes a coarse and airy soil.

I haven’t had a recurrence of Seiridium Canker this year. I think avoiding fall pruning was helpful.

More pics when I have good lighting.

 

[parhamr]

This goofy tree responded well to the root work. Here it is in all its awkward, overgrown glory:


The trunk is now about 2.25" diameter.

 

[Jim Irvine]

At what time of year do you chop the incense cedar? I have one I lifted from central CA mountains and I want to shorten it.