Ulmus parviflora corkbark progression

[parhamr]

I got this tree from BSOP mentorship in 2017. Unfortunately I didn’t get a before photo and this photo is just the tree far in the background of a photo. This was field grown by Randy Knight.


Aug 2018



Jan 2019

After. Unfortunately I tipped it too far forward



June 2019



Feb 2020



Today. It’s finally at the angle I wanted!

 

[parhamr]

There’s some minor chance this tree is a cutting from the mother stock ‘Yatsubusa’ elms that Mirai obtained around 2010. But I don’t know and that doesn’t matter a ton.

The bark is good and getting better, but I need to be thorough and really delicate in removing the moss.


I think it’ll get wired next year. This year I’ll see if it’s ready for some more thorough pruning. Updates to come.

 

[BonsaiDTLA]

Really nice.. curious, how are you removing the moss?

 

[parhamr]

Really nice.. curious, how are you removing the moss?

With fine tweezers and/or a nylon brush.

I think the bigger problem has likely been the trunk has just been way too wet at times, especially from the change in planting angles.

 

[JonW]

Looks great! Diluted vinegar can remove the moss.

 

[Hartinez]

That’s a winner right there Reid.

 

[parhamr]

I don’t think I got a peak foliage photo this year. From what I remember, I only did one trimming during the growing season.

April 17, 2021


November 8, 2021


From the extension of the silhouette you can infer generally how much growth it put on. I’d like some of those branches to have more interesting bends, but dang these corkbark genes are prone to snapping branches.

This tree has been a bit weaker in the last two growing seasons, so I’m going easy on it. I think it needs a deeper pot and soil without the 1/16" particles.

It’s also very possible the tree needs some nutrient availability corrections by lowering the pH and supplementing calcium and magnesium.

 

[parhamr]

I gave it more root space with a Vicki Chamberlain 14" oval

 

[parhamr]

 

[parhamr]

A native Sword Fern has taken up residence in the pot. Fun! I’m continuing the habit of pruning back to the first 1/2" of fine twigs after the growths harden off. I’m allowing some branches to extend here and there for thickening in general but also to work on the silhouette.

June 2022


April 2024



June 2024



The fern is fun but doesn’t match the native region of the Chinese Elm. It might go at some point. Its rhizome is becoming a little large overall so maybe it’ll get promoted to its own distinct accent planting.

 

[n8]

Looking good!

 

[Johnnyd]

A native Sword Fern has taken up residence in the pot. Fun! I’m continuing the habit of pruning back to the first 1/2" of fine twigs after the growths harden off. I’m allowing some branches to extend here and there for thickening in general but also to work on the silhouette.

June 2022
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April 2024
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June 2024
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The fern is fun but doesn’t match the native region of the Chinese Elm. It might go at some point. Its rhizome is becoming a little large overall so maybe it’ll get promoted to its own distinct accent planting.

Great progress! Thanks for sharing.