At 12:53 PM 1/24/03 -0500, lou E wrote:
is the liquid ambar orientalis a better choice for bonsai

Lou

I really like Liquidambar orientalis for bonsai. It is more refined and not
quite as vigorous as L. styraciflua. This allows you to get smaller leaves,
closer internodes and more ramification, but it is still a lot of work. I
disbud mine early each spring just as I do L. styraciflua. One or two
defoliations are in order to get the leaf size down. Also, infrequent
repotting helps to slow both species down and make them more manageable.
The only thing I don't like is that my L. orientalis does not have nearly
the vibrant fall color as L. styraciflua, it is a clear yellow, nice but
not spectacular. On the other hand it has a terrific furrowed bark that is
ancient looking. I will try to get a photo up of my big one soon.


Brent in Northern California
Evergreen Gardenworks USDA Zone 8 Sunset Zone 14

http://www.EvergreenGardenworks.com

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Jerry Meislik++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++