A good rootball is fun to work with. This is especially true for varieties that produce fine roots like Yaupon holly. After removing the tree from its pot and starting to comb through the roots, I found it easy to sculpt the rootball into the exact shape I wanted. This makes repotting easy as the rootball can be pruned to fit the pot exactly.
Yaupon holly
Wires to be clipped away before removing the tree from the pot
After removing the tree from the pot
After trimming the roots
Root work complete
With roots ready to go all that was left was to select a pot. But which pot to use? It turns out I had a lot of options for this tree, and once I got started, Boon contributed several more to try. The candidates are below – I’ll post the one I selected Friday. Your favorites?
Pot #1
Pot #2
Pot #3
Pot #4
Pot #5
Pot #6
Pot #7
Pot #8
Pot #9
Pot #10
Pot #11
Pot #12
If you haven’t made plans for this weekend, come to Bay Island Bonsai’s 15th annual exhibit at the Lakeside Garden Center in Oakland, CA. Admission is free! And while you’re there, stop by the Golden State Bonsai Federation’s Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt to see some of the oldest and most outstanding trees in the area.
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Vic says
I would go with pot #9.The color is good and the tree looks comfortable in it.
Zack Clayton says
I agree Vic, 9 looks like the best match.
Sam says
#5 and #7 work best for me, the wider pots seem to work with the trees lateral form.
As a fairly ‘green’ (but keen) bonsai enthusiast can I also add how much I enjoy this blog, it is by far the most practical, informative and inspirational site I have come across!
Sam
AlexV says
I love this game, thanks for posting another of these. There are several that work, but honestly I think I would go with 4 or 5. It really depends on what tree you will show it paired with. If its mate for the show is a conifer in an unglazed pot, I would go with 4, but if it is a deciduous or flowering tree in a glazed pot, I think I would go with 5 or 9 depending on the style of the mate. Always good to keep variety in the pots of a display.
I am sad I can’t make the show this weekend, but I defend Monday, so hopefully back soon. Thanks again for posting all the choices!
TaitO says
6 or 8 i think
taitogr says
i think 6 or 8
Wally Glasgow says
Fun game. I think I’ll go with 4 or 9. Can’t explain why, they just look right.
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks Sam – and congratulations Alex, best of luck!
Janet Roth says
I’m kind of leaning towards 5, but 4 is possible. I like the color of 4 better. But 5 is best. I guess I’ll find out on Friday though!
Robert Dambrauskas says
I like 4,5, and 9 ! The others seem too tall, or too long (wide).
Bob
Chad says
I think pot 4 and 9 work the best
Ladislav Lenčucha says
I like #5 🙂
Bruce says
I’ll go with 9 like the others but I’ll also stick my neck out and say 8.
janicedilbeck@comcast.net says
I like number 5 the best.
japanesepots says
Number 5 and number 8 for me Jonas.
brendenstudio says
#5 gets my vote also; would be even better if it was glazed…maybe a cream to contrast with the berries, when it gets them
Don Quixote says
Don’t make the tree wait for pot number 8.
don says
#5 would be my choice. It blends well with the overall look of the tree.
Dr Spock says
The tenth pot for awhile.
Bonsai Mohegan says
Hi Jonas. How’s it? I too enjoy these sharings, so thank you. Here are new words for my lips…I agree with Dr.Spock!?! #10 respects the trees girth and looks” “comfortable”.
Juan says
Jonas, hope you are feeling better. I believe I have shown a Juniper in #6, like it for this as well. Tho, I know you didn’t pick it….