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Thinning a mature satsuki azalea

January 7, 2020 by Jonas Dupuich

I was relieved when it was time to clean up the last azalea on the bench. A friend and I had thinned around forty trees over the previous few weeks (thanks Dylan!) but I was still looking forward to seeing how the last tree would turn out. It’s a mature ‘Kozan.’

Satsuki azalea 'Kozan'

Satsuki azalea ‘Kozan’

The work wasn’t particularly slow, but there were lots of branches that needed attention. It felt good to clean up the trunk too.

Trunk detail

Trunk detail

After thinning crowded areas and removing large leaves, it became easy to appreciate the tree’s silhouette.

After thinning

After thinning – 26″ tall

Although the tree didn’t grow much last year – a result of being bare-rooted last winter – I expect much more growth this year. I also plan to let the tree bloom in spring.

When the tree starts producing more vigorous growth, I’ll look to do more severe cutback and wiring. I’ll also be ready to repot the tree into a show container – something I’m really looking forward to!

Now Available – Japanese Satsuki Bonsai

I recently received copies of an English-language Satsuki book published in Japan. Japanese Satsuki Bonsai features an introduction to satsuki styles, flower types, popular varieties, seasonal care, and how-to tips for developing satsuki from field-grown trees into more refined specimens.

Japanese Satsuki Bonsai

Japanese Satsuki Bonsai

The English isn’t perfect, but the book demonstrates key techniques with ample photos throughout. Learn more at Japanese Satsuki Bonsai.

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Filed Under: Bonsai Development Tagged With: Satsuki

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. FRANCESCO VIGORITO says

    January 7, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    Wow… what a tree, Jonas. Huge Azalea fan here!

    Speaking of bare rooting Azalea, I have a little root-bound mature Azalea that I am planning on repotting as soon as NYC temps allow, prob not till March. I think its a little root bound because the water pools around the edge of the pot for a little while before draining, but it does fully drain. I noticed this in late summer/earlyFall but didn’t think it would be a good time to repot. Due to its delicate roots, mixed with its own rootbound issues, what type of repot would you suggest? Bare-root? It currently in 100% Kanuma.

    • Jonas Dupuich says

      January 8, 2020 at 2:29 pm

      Hi Francesco – it’s hard to say what kind of repotting the tree needs without seeing it, but I’d typically recommend a “standard” repot in early spring over bare-rooting the tree. The 100% kanuma is a great mix for azaleas.

      If the core of the rootball is too dense to let water through, you can perforate the rootball or bare-root sections of it to provide spaces for new roots to grow.

      • FRANCESCO VIGORITO says

        January 10, 2020 at 11:51 am

        Got ya, thanks Jonas!

  2. Elaine G Harris says

    January 7, 2020 at 6:05 pm

    My goodness, that is a stunning azalea.

    • Jonas Dupuich says

      January 8, 2020 at 2:26 pm

      Thanks Elaine!

  3. Ron says

    January 9, 2020 at 6:58 am

    Could you explain the diff between a bare root and a standard repot. I have always repotted mine by bare rooting to straighten roots etc. Enjoyed recent talk in Houston.

    • Jonas Dupuich says

      January 9, 2020 at 7:39 am

      Good question Ron! Bare-rooting is when all of the soil is removed during repotting. This is very stressful for trees and is not recommended for conifers. In a “standard” repot, soil is combed away from the roots on the top, bottom, and sides of the rootball but the center of the rootball is left alone. Here’s a look at a standard repot: https://bonsaitonight.com/2016/08/02/repotting-a-trident-maple-bonsai/

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