Chinese elm help!!!

bonsi-1973 · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:13 am Post subject: Chinese elm help!!!

Hi I have just bought a Chinese elm, it is growing very well but I don't know the best way to shape the tree Or if it is even the right time of year. Also when is the growing season for this tree.
Thank-you

chappy56 · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:42 am Post subject: Re: Chinese elm help!!!

If you could post some photos from a photobucket type site that would help a lot. Also let us know where you're at geographically and where the tree is sitting. I'm sure everyone will chime in after that.
Welcome to the site by the way!

Crazeegang · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 12:13 pm Post subject: Re: Chinese elm help!!!

Also let us know where you bought the tree. If you bought it from an indoor plant section then it may not be wise to put it straight outside on a night as some of us are having a cold snap at the moment.

My largest elm that has been outside all winter is beginning to get new leaves but it is near the house and pretty well sheltered.

Regards

Toni

bonsi-1973 · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 12:39 pm Post subject: Re: Chinese elm help!!!

I bought it from Webb's of wychbold, 3weeks ago costing £12.00. it is positioned in the window. Can i not send photos in this site...
Thank-you both Darren

bonsi-1973 · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 12:40 pm Post subject: Re: Chinese elm help!!!

Sorry I'm in the UK Worcestershire...................

kenuk · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 1:20 pm Post subject: Re: Chinese elm help!!!

If it was outside when you bought it then that's where it should be.

But if it was indoors then just put it out in the day till next week, when this cold snap should be over. Then it can go out and stop out.

Things are beginning to grow now.
ken

Crazeegang · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 1:25 pm Post subject: Re: Chinese elm help!!!

You can add your location to your profile. It is often quite helpful coz there are members in different parts of the world.

No you can't add pics to this site unless you become a paid member and then you get access to all parts of the site.

I am presuming you bought a small chinese elm? Elms are trees and should realy be grown outdoors. As you have bought it at a garden centre where I think it will have been kept inside? I would suggest that you keep it inside on a night away from direct heat in a cool spot but put it outside during the day. Elms are pretty hardy in general but I would certainly avoid frosts untill it is more hardy.

I believe elms can be styled pretty much whenever but I would give it a few weeks to settle in to it's new home before you do anything major.

If this is your first foray into bonsai then I would suggest getting a good book on the subject. Think it was The Complete Guide to Bonsai by Harry Tomlinson that I first bought.

Regards

Toni

Crazeegang · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: Chinese elm help!!!

Oops! Sorry Kenuk you beat me.

Stymie · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 2:49 pm Post subject: Re: Chinese elm help!!!

At the top of this particular forum, you will find guidance about Chinese Elm in particular. We do advocate keeping them outside all the time, to keep leaves small and close together. Nature imposes a natural period of semi-dormancy during our Winter which is beneficial. Keeping them inside results in leggy growth at first and gradual deterioration over the months.
Extended growth of individual shoots spoil the design outline and should be allowed to get no more than five leaves before being trimmed back to one or two. The result is a compact cloud of dense shoots and leaves. You couldn't have chosen a better subject to start bonsai with.