For the past few weeks, I’ve been writing about maintenance work for mature deciduous bonsai as that’s what I’ve been focusing on in the garden. Before moving on to a new topic (it’s almost decandling season!) here’s a look at a stewartia due for spring cutback.
Stewartia monadelpha
The tree has developed a lot in the past year which made the shoot reduction and leaf pruning take longer than expected (see “Spring deciduous work” for details about the work). Fortunately I had help from Christian and Alfred this year. Between the three of us, we were able to reduce the density of the foliage to ensure that the interior branches receive enough light to stay healthy.
Alfred leaf-pruning the stewartia
Cutback and leaf pruning complete – 34″
I’ll let the tree grow freely through summer and will plan to prune again in fall when the leaves turn color. In the meantime, I’ll continue watering and fertilizing to support this year’s new growth.