In a message dated 1/15/2004 12:23:17 PM Eastern Standard Time, writes:

OK, I have a nice red leafed berberis, (lostaggi x
nonameana) It has wonderful nebari and I wanted to do
a shohin. Problem: It grows too fast and looses its
shape weekly. Anyone else have this problem? do the
work better on a larger scale?

Mine are Shohin. Yeah, they need constant attention, but not *weekly*. The new growth is bright and thin, and easy to
see and trim.

As Barberry growth matures, it will hold its position.

As for the thorns, they can be pinched without doing any harm to the bark--a necessary step in the wiring process.

Consider Crimson Pygmy--it is a great specimen for bonsai culture if you can get past the thorns.

Cordially,

Michael Persiano
http://members.aol.com/iasnob/index.html

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