š¤ Ezo Spruce, #2211
Picea glehnii; Red Ezo Spruce; Pacific Bonsai Expo, Nov 2022 ($30).
Picea glehnii, is the best and most commonly trained spruce for bonsai in Japan. The correct botanical name for this spruce is Red Ezo spruce, Aka Ezo matsu in Japanese, because of the opening reddish new growth. In the bonsai community it is commonly called āEzo spruce.ā
July 2024: Neither much budding nor growth. Moving to direct sun.
Sep 2023: Ezo is not sick, but did not flourish much this year. Fertilized and watered, partial shade. Some cutback on tips to encourage ramification. Curious how to increase foilage.
Should allow lower branches to thicken by growing longāwiring ends upwards for apical growth.
BSSF calendar recommends heavy pruning and wiring in November.
Especially in the lower half of the bonsai tree you should keep only one branch of a whorl.
For bonsai styling this means that thinner branches can be bent and twisted in any direction, but wired branches often take years to keep their new position.
Repeated rewiring is necessary in most cases. Don't wire spruce trees in midsummer because dieback can occur at that time. Better style spruces in late summer or early spring.
Due to the whorled growth there are always several branches growing at the same height on the trunk.
Pinch new shoots in spring when they are still soft.
If you want to prune back long branches, shorten them to smaller twigs near the trunk.
Remember that the spruce will not backbud from old wood, so always leave needles and buds on a branch you want to keep.
Apply solid organic fertilizer every four weeks or use a liquid fertilizer every week during the growing season. Spruces also benefit from leaf feeding which makes a nice dark green leaf color.
Water the spruce thoroughly as soon as the soil gets dry, but don't keep the roots soaking wet all the time. In winter water less but never let the rootball dry out completely.
Inspirations
ChatGBT Nov 2024
Improving the health and vigor of an Ezo spruce tree (Picea jezoensis) in a Northern California zone 10 climate requires addressing several factors, as this species is native to colder climates and may struggle in the warmer, milder conditions of zone 10. However, with proper care, it can still thrive.
Here are steps to help improve the treeās health and vigor:
1. Ensure Proper Watering
Avoid Overwatering or Underwatering: Spruces prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil. In zone 10, the warm climate may lead to rapid evaporation, so monitor the soil moisture, ensuring itās moist but not soggy.
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. In dry periods, water the tree every 1-2 weeks, and more often during extreme heat.
2. Soil Quality and Drainage
Improve Drainage: Spruces dislike sitting in waterlogged soil. If the soil doesnāt drain well, consider amending it with organic matter or creating a raised planting bed to improve drainage.
pH Level: Spruces prefer slightly acidic soil. Test the soilās pH and, if necessary, amend it with sulfur to lower the pH.
3. Mulching
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch will help maintain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
4. Fertilization
Late Fall Fertilization: Since itās November, a slow-release, balanced fertilizer thatās high in micronutrients could help the tree prepare for the winter months. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in late fall, as they can encourage weak, soft growth.
In the spring, consider applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer or one formulated for evergreens to encourage healthy growth through the growing season.
5. Pruning
Prune Dead or Damaged Branches: Trim any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to promote overall tree health and airflow. Avoid heavy pruning, as it could stress the tree, especially in the colder months.
Light Shaping: If the tree is looking sparse or uneven, light pruning to shape it could encourage denser growth in the coming year.
6. Protection from Heat Stress
Partial Shade: In zone 10, the Ezo spruce might be susceptible to heat stress. If the tree is getting too much direct sunlight, consider providing some afternoon shade using a shade cloth or by planting other trees nearby.
Wind Protection: If the tree is in a windy location, wind can cause additional stress, especially in the summer. Installing a windbreak can help reduce the strain on the tree.
7. Pest and Disease Control
Regularly inspect for pests like aphids, mites, or fungal diseases. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat them with an appropriate organic pesticide or fungicide.
Consider using horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps for pests that are easier to manage without harming beneficial insects.
8. Monitor Temperature and Climate
Since Ezo spruces are not native to hot climates, consider providing extra care during extreme heat. Watering more frequently during heatwaves can help prevent drought stress.
If possible, choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade to protect the tree from the intense midday sun.
By addressing these needsāproper watering, soil health, mulch, and protection from environmental stressāyou can help your Ezo spruce become more robust and thrive in Northern Californiaās climate. Keep monitoring the treeās condition, and adjust care as needed, particularly as the seasons change.