I lifted this Trumpet vine, Campsis radicans, in June of 2017. Why not go straight to a bonsai pot with it? While this is not a good idea most of the time, vines are hard to kill and are reliable at producing roots.
Here’s the tree a year later. The growth has been good, and it’s shaping up into a nice upright tree form.
So I decided the pot was not quite right for this specimen for a couple of reasons: one, it’s a personal piece in my collection, the tree not necessarily; and two, I felt it was a bit “heavy” for the composition. So I picked out another pot and lifted the tree to transplant it. What did I find coiled up in the pot? Well, it’s not a snake though it sure could pass for one. This is about two years of Trumpet vine root growth. It all had to go.
Here’s the tree in its new home, a fine Lary Howard oval. This pot is a lot “lighter” than the previous one, which I think complements the graceful trunk line much better.
Now we wait and see if the root surgery was a success.
I spotted this specimen recently, growing in a tangle of weeds, Monkey grass and oak saplings. What could you make out of this?
Ah, there’s the future bonsai!
A few weeks later, the vine is re-establishing itself. I trimmed off the stubs that weren’t needed, giving me a perfect trunk line.
Now it’s easy to see where this one is going. It has nice trunk taper and movement, and I already have a start on the leader and branches. I think I’ll end up keeping this one for myself.
Im going to have to get another pot because I have a trumpet vine I would like to creat a bonsai with.
I especially like the latter. I can see why you’d want to keep it for yourself. pk
Thanks, Pierre!
That has excellent movement. Something new to look for in the woods.
One of these days I’m gonna get one of your BC from you. You have great specimens. It’s that Louisiana climate.
Thank you, Mike. I appreciate the kind words.