Satsuki Azalea 'Gyoten'

[MatsuBonsai]

I got this big azalea at Brussel's Bonsai Rendezvous in 2006 during an all day workshop with Jack Sustic. Boon was there and was kind enough to help with the major task of cutting back and selecting branches.

[MatsuBonsai]

It took a few years of work to regrow branches and fill in holes where major flaws were removed. Here it is after work in June of 2009.

[MatsuBonsai]

My wife was often frustrated with me for removing flower buds in favor of green growth. I finally let it bloom last year while we were away at Rendezvous again. I snapped a quick photo in the rain the day we left. I came home and most of the flowers were spent, the perfect time for more work.

[MatsuBonsai]

Several of the local club members suggest I show the tree at "Bonsai in the Bluegrass", so I did.

[MatsuBonsai]

While at "Bonsai in the Bluegrass" I asked both Ryan Neil and Boon for their opinions on how to improve the tree. Both were kind enough to share their thoughts, which were very similar.

So, the tree is being rebuilt. More major branches have been removed in favor of smaller, more in-scale and elegant branches. Branches that originated from the bottom were removed, the pads refined and fanned. The apex will continue to be redeveloped, focusing on fewer branches and directing more to the right.

My apologies for the poor background. It was a long day finishing up the wiring. In all I've spent around 8-10 hours this week on cutting, wiring, bending, and trimming this tree.

I'm expecting it to take around 4 years before I'm happy with the results and call it "finished".

[ED TROUT]

Beautiful tree John,

One of my favorites in the exhibit. I admit to Zone envy, and envy you guys that can work with Satsukis. I look forward to seeing this tree after it's next step in the journey.


Ed Trout
Pembroke Pines, Florida
Zone 10c ( a Satsuki no grow zone !! )

[MatsuBonsai]

Thanks Ed, you're very kind. I too have zone envy from time to time. I sold all my tropicals as winter (6 months really) inside was just too much work. You could probably grow satsuki, in a purpose built temperature controlled building.

The stand for this tree in the show was also my first foray into stand building. I learned a lot, particularly what not to do. I was able to correct most of the mistakes, or at least disguise them well enough that the stand didn't look out of place. Ryan actually commented on the stand and seemed surprised that I had built it.