Triple trunk Sango kaku

[b3bowen]

The tree below is a fusion of two air layers taken in 2019. My intention is for it to become a triple trunk tree. Sango kaku is one of my favorite varieties though it is an aggressive grower even on its own roots so internode length can be an issue. I have found that container growing the tree in akadama, pumice, lava mix drastically shortened internodes compared to ground growing. The red twigs in winter are lovely, though its best feature is its very consistent and excellent fall colors in my climate.



Right now it clearly only has two trunks. Because of the already excellent radial roots there is not much room to stick in cutting without taking out some roots. So last year I borrowed an inward growing branch and looped it through the nabari. In theory, as the branch thickens with the roots, it should get pinched into place and graft in to make my third trunk.

 

[BobbyLane]

Nice work, I see a bright future.

 

[Pixar]

Very nice work , It will end up as an excellent bonsai if you take care of it

 

[b3bowen]

Interestingly, usually the bark gets red over winter. Mine waited till now. Perhaps related to sun exposure. Clearly different light for photo but compare to above.

 

[Tieball]

Interestingly, usually the bark gets red over winter. Mine waited till now. Perhaps related to sun exposure. Clearly different light for photo but compare to above.
View attachment 476843

Does the bark redness stay with the tree throughout the growing seasons?

 

[GGB]

right on, i bet this will come together fast

 

[b3bowen]

Does the bark redness stay with the tree throughout the growing seasons?

I will have to pay attention. My recollection is that it fades some through summer. My guess is that the leaves shade the bark.

 

[Tieball]

I will have to pay attention. My recollection is that it fades some through summer. My guess is that the leaves shade the bark.

Thanks. I'm just curious. I don’t have any trees like this. No problem if you forget to look.

 

[b3bowen]

Thanks. I'm just curious. I don’t have any trees like this. No problem if you forget to look. through the summer. Perhaps just not quite as red. Here’s a picture doing into fall.

It definitely stays red through the summer, perhaps, just not quite as red. Here’s a picture going into fall.

 

[b3bowen]

Here is probably one of the biggest reasons I grow this variety. Most of the maples I grow do not show such consistently excellent fall color.