A few months ago, I brought a small Chinese quince into the garden.
Chinese quince
The tree is relatively refined, but the branch structure has a ways to go. The best way to fix it is to cut the branches back to short stubs. Before doing this, however, I want to make sure the tree is healthy and growing well. For the time being, I’ll perform minor cutback by reducing the long shoots that lack ramification and then repot the tree. Once I have a better idea of what the roots look like, I’ll make a plan for the more invasive work.
After cutback – 10″
The attractive container was made by Stephanie Walker. It’s my first pot of hers so I’ve enjoyed having it in the garden. Will have to keep my eyes out for more!
Stephanie Walker bonsai pot
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darth masiah says
nice looking tree. definitely like to see some updates on it in the future.
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks Darth – will do!
Bobby Curttright says
That little quince grew very strong for me in Oregon and was repotted in 2016, so it is perfect timing to be doing what you are with it and will be ready for another repot. I can’t guarantee it will like Cali as much though haha, but should handle the cutbacks just fine. The branching has been getting gradually ‘brought in’ and clarified since I got it. It was not nearly as strong when I acquired it though, so work done so far had been fairly conservative. I will miss that Stephanie Walker pot too, there aren’t enough of those around!
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks, Bobby, it’s good to hear a bit of the tree’s history. Fingers crossed it’ll take to its new home 🙂
Bobby Curttright says
It was also one of the thirstiest trees in the Cascadia Bonsai garden, so I would expect plenty of roots waiting for you upon repot! If you need older pics of it just let me know.
Jonas Dupuich says
It’s been thirsty in my garden too. Would love to see old pics!
John Chikasuye says
Hi Jonas! Merry Christmas! I got a handful of young beefy young quince from Dylan last year. Question is, if the roots are thriving and tree is vigorous, would it be OK to do a major cutback to stubs at this time of year(bay area climate) or should I wait until jan/feb to do any “invasive” pruning?
Jonas Dupuich says
Merry Christmas John! I think you can do the major cuts now as it looks like some of my quince are starting to grow again. If you don’t cut now (through February) then you can try mid-season around May. If the cuts are big, I’d be sure to use cut paste to help the wounds heal.