Japanese Black Pine #2301
Pinus thunbergii (1/18/23), Home Depot $50, 24” tall.
Oct Reflections:
Not in love with this, though it had some 10 years in trunk size. Prior trunk split scars still visible, but expect them to bark over, given years.
Lower trunk is not growing much, while the reaction to mid/upper trunk splits caused swelling.
Not enough lower branches to balance out. Experimenting to wind aluminum wire spiraling from the roots to lower 1/3. Will leave wire in place during spring and hope swelling between will project a wider and more interesting base. Possibly leave wire on for years.
May SBBK Workshop:
Recommend pinching buds to 1/2 or 1/3 length—promote bud back and branches.
Unsure if Japanese or Austrian Black Pine (HD said JBP). Candle or bud appeared furrier and more Austrian. Hearty. If Austrian it is single flush and if Japanese it is double flush. JBP the decandling in June would cut to the base of the bud. If single flush it should leave 1/4 length left. Should treat as JBP but if it does not respond as such, give it a rest next season and leave a portion of bud.
Wire and elevate or orient vertically to be more interesting. Do not leave wire more than a year.
