TP 'Bonfire' No Guts, No Glory

[thumblessprimate1]

My Bonfire cultivar of A. palmatum. It's an airlayer that failed a time or two, but during a warm 2015 fall some roots popped. Thought I'd finally create a thread to keep track of it.



Problem was it didn't grow roots all around.



In my area, it's very similar to Deshojo. I haven't noticed a huge difference between the two. Similarly they both grow lots of roots when airlayed.

So I'm trying to practice the Ebihara root technique. Scott's thread has been awesome. First time with this maple, I only flattened the root ball. Second time, I reduced the roots length around more. Third time I thinned out even more as recommended by Dav4 and others.



Removed crossing roots, roots growing up, and roots growing on top other roots.

Did three grafts for roots where it's bare. I really wanted to graft with more Bonfire, but these seedlings are all I have. Spilled some of my own blood.



Well I hoping for a better, nicer trunk and nebari in a couple more years.

 

[discusmike]

I have a large one growing as landscape tree n it's spring colors are more of a orange then red,but the intense color does not last that long,it is however a very strong growing upright palmatum

 

[discusmike]

Seigen leaf color is closer to deshojo

 

[discusmike]

Looks like you have a good start on a nice tree thumbs

 

[Dav4]

No guts, no glory is right!! I think you did just fine, thumbless! You might need more root grafts at next repot sooooooo.... how well does this A. p. cultivar strike from cuttings?

 

[thumblessprimate1]

No guts, no glory is right!! I think you did just fine, thumbless! You might need more root grafts at next repot sooooooo.... how well does this A. p. cultivar strike from cuttings?

Thanks, man! Not sure about cuttings, Dave. I don't have much luck with cuttings with any Japanese maple. I'll try some air layers this coming spring on some of the smaller branches up top or on my landscape tree.

 

[Dav4]

Thanks, man! Not sure about cuttings, Dave. I don't have much luck with cuttings with any Japanese maple. I'll try some air layers this coming spring on some of the smaller branches up top or on my landscape tree.

You'll need seedlings to do the root grafts....i'd just stick with regular palmatum seedlings that you can start yourself or get from Matty O.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

I feared it was a goner weeks ago when lots died back, but it started to look OK with better pallor. Then buds popped and extended.

Phew!