Iris:

Prunus mume is an challenging and rewarding specimen for bonsai culture. The foliage can be managed during hot weather by both shading the tree and pinching away damaged leaves.

I selectively defoliate prunus throughout the entire growing season. The true beauty of the tree is revealed in the February timeframe (in the northeastern US) when its blossoms open and scent the surrounding area.

Cordially,

Michael Persiano
members.aol.com/iasnob

-----Original Message-----
From:
To:
Sent: Fri, 19 Aug 2005 14:16:13 EDT
Subject: [IBC] Prunus Mume


Somebody suggested Prunus mume as a substitute for Prunus spinosa (sloe) for
bonsai. I would veto that for much of the US. I found that P. mume does very
poorly in hot dry summer weather. The leaves turn to schmatehs (rags).
I don't know yet about other climatic hurdles, but my new 'Hally Jolivette'
withstood this summer's barbaric dry heat admirably. It grew steadily, and only
had perhaps a handful of yellow leaves. Of course it is not wild looking,
since it has singly borne, semi-double flowers, but as Jim pointed out, there
are
many wild native American cherries.
Iris

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