Returning to Bonsai with a Loropetalum

[Blackthumb]

First a little about me:
I used to have 5 or 6 bonsai about 10 years ago.
Unfortunately when I had to make an abrupt move to a different residence, they all died.
I was so disheartened that I gave it up for all these years.

I've been thinking lately about trying to start again, especially since I still have most of my pots and tools in storage. So randomly finding this plant on clearance a couple days ago was really fuel to the fire. It looked really nice to me with its tiny petals. This particular plant is a Loropetalum C. Rubrum "Blush"
I had never heard of Loropetalum, so a quick image search on my phone showed some amazing bonsai specimen. So I picked up the plant and figured why not give it a go.

It seems a little early to be blooming to me, (but I know very little) and there is definitely some yellowing to the leaves, but if its a total fail, I haven't lost much. Between the yellowing and some dark mottled discoloration on some of the leaves, I don't think its 100% healthy.
I'm in southern NC, and the weather cannot make up its mind if it wants to be spring or winter.

Basically my question is, what should I be doing with the plant right now?
Cut it back? Repot it? Or just pray for it and leave it alone?




Any guidance is very much welcome.
I did find a club about an hour away and will be contacting them soon.
But, until then.. I seek your wisdom.
Thanks

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Welcome back to bonsai. Your lorapetalum is in-step with those around here. Yellow leaves are last year's and you should expect to lose those as new ones come on.

 

[Blackthumb]

Well that is comforting to know, thank you.

So where am I with this guy?
Should I repot once the leaves fall?

How about cutting, is it too late this year?
I obviously need to cut this guy way back.
Can I chop it down at once, or would it be something that I need to do over a few years?

I'm having trouble finding specific info on treating loropetalum as a bonsai,
just several people saying it is a difficult subject lol

Thanks for your answer Brian,
and thanks in advance to anyone else that can chime in!

 

[stacy allen muse]

Agree, welcome back to bonsai...

Having said that, gotta say you are jumping back in with a plant that is very, very picky...
Just a word of caution... they really do not like being touched and die rather easy.
Personally, I have only seen ones with a lot of age do well, as a bonsai.
Where the trunk was as thick as ones leg.
Good luck though, an be patient.

 

[Mr. Carter]

I just bought in of these also, but mine is purple. I think it's called purple diamond lorepetalum compact. After searching and searching I found this:
http://www.bonsaitoolchest.com/download/chinese_fringe_flower.pdf

Hope that helps out.