Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana' question

[Robert Gordick]

I just received a "bonsai" tree under the name Cryptomeria japonica
'Vilmoriniana' from a relative as a Christmas gift. I've done a couple of
hours research on the Net and found it to be classic pyramidal or conical
with a single trunk. It also is known as a Japanese Cedar and it is hardy in
zone 6.

My Question? Since, this is my first Bonsai tree, will this be a good first
tree for me?

I went to www.bonsaiweb.com and saw that among the Cryptomeria trees listed,
'Vilmoriniana' was not categorized as a species suitable for bonsai. This
made me concerned that maybe the tree I have will not do to well as a first
bonsai tree. The web site did list the following species as good bonsai
trees of the Cryptomeria japonica genus:

Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi': conical cryptomeria - a dwarf cv which
grows to about 6 feet tall.
Cryptomeria japonica :Jundai-sugi': globular cryptomeria
Cryptomeria japonica 'Lobbi Nana': dwarf cryptomeria
Cryptomeria japonica 'Pygmaea': dwarf cryptomeria
Cryptomeria japonica 'Tansu': Japanese cedar, Tansu cryptomeria
Cryptomeria japonica 'Tokyo'
Cryptomeria japonica 'Viminalis'
Cryptomeria japonica 'Yatsubusa': Japanese red cedar - a dwarf form with a
naturally narrow conical form and compact foliage.
Cryptomeria japonica 'Zuisho'

Do you think that 'Vilmoriniana' could also be included on this list or am I
asking for trouble?

Thanks!
Rob

********************************************************************************
+++++This list is supported, in part, by a contribution from Jim Harwood+++++
>>-->> The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://users.nbn.net/~herrfam/index.html <<--<<
To leave the list, send SIGNOFF BONSAI to: LIST...@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM

[Brent Walston]

At 08:55 PM 1/3/2000 -0800, Robert Gordick wrote:
>I just received a "bonsai" tree under the name Cryptomeria japonica
>'Vilmoriniana' from a relative as a Christmas gift. I've done a couple of
>hours research on the Net and found it to be classic pyramidal or conical
>with a single trunk. It also is known as a Japanese Cedar and it is hardy in
>zone 6.

.....

>Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi': conical cryptomeria - a dwarf cv which
>grows to about 6 feet tall.
>Cryptomeria japonica :Jundai-sugi': globular cryptomeria
>Cryptomeria japonica 'Lobbi Nana': dwarf cryptomeria

....

>Do you think that 'Vilmoriniana' could also be included on this list or am I
>asking for trouble?
>
>Thanks!
>Rob

Rob

For bonsai purposes, the cultivar 'Vilmoriniana' is virtually identical to
'Lobbi Nana'. They have the same growth habit and virtually identical
foliage. I don't think these make particularly easy trees for beginners,
but given enough time they can make respectable bonsai.

Brent in Northern California
Evergreen Gardenworks USDA Zone 8 Sunset Zone 14
mailto:bon...@pacific.net http://www.EvergreenGardenworks.com

[Kevin Bailey]

Rob asked:-

>I just received a "bonsai" tree under the name Cryptomeria japonica
>'Vilmoriniana' from a relative as a Christmas gift. I've done a couple of
>hours research on the Net and found it to be classic pyramidal or conical
>with a single trunk. It also is known as a Japanese Cedar and it is hardy
>in zone 6.
>

>My Question? Since, this is my first Bonsai tree, will this be a good first
>tree for me?

Vilmoriniana is a dwarf form of the Japanese cedar with a neat, dense,
almost globular habit. It's green in summer and goes a rusty red in winter
if it's cold enough. It will be a slow one to form a convincing bonsai from.
Given the regularity of pinching needed to keep C. japonica in shape, this
may be an advantage for the less dedicated!

I've had several planted out in my Japanese garden for three years now and
it looks like they will take a few more years before they are large enough
to have a reasonable trunk to work with.

I've also had six of the species planted out in a fattening bed for two
years and these require regular chopping back to develop taper and prevent
the lower branches from being shaded out. A much faster proposition.

Kev Bailey ke...@actionvideo.freeserve.co.uk

Web site http://www.actionvideo.freeserve.co.uk/vocbsindex.htm

Saint Asaph, North Wales, UK - Zone 9

>***************************************************************************