AusBonsai

I'm on the lookout for an Atlas Cedar. I've checked out a few pre bonsai stock tree's around the place but before I buy something, I'm after a bit more info on their training and growth habits so I can decide on the best tree.

I'm looking for something I can train in a formal or informal upright style. All of the trees I've looked at so far have some less than desirable characteristics - part and parcel for pre-bonsai stock I suppose! Do these guys back bud easily to get growth closer to the trunk on existing branches? A couple Ive looked at have rather obvious trunk chop scars - do these blend easily with age? Any other advice as to what to look for or avoid with this species? I'm rather new to the bonsai scene but I've seen a few nice examples of these that really appeal to me.

If anyone has anythig for sale I woud also be interested in checking it out.

Atlas cedar do not back bud at all; not even the slightest bit;so you must work with existing foliage and concentrate on keeping that portion healthy and get it to slowly ramify.

Despite their slow growth, their tendency to snap if you bend too hard or incorrectly; their lack of back budding etc; I must admit they are one of my favourite trees.

We have done a lot of work recently at the collection on one and Leigh might like to put up a photo.

Grant

Grant Bowie wrote:Atlas cedar do not back bud at all; not even the slightest bit;

Thanks Grant. I was afraid that was the case - that counts out a few of the trees I was considering as they have rather extended lower branching.

Would love to see some pictures of the one you have been working on. The mature Atlas bonsai definitely stand out for me as a favourite in the displays I have seen.

JaseH wrote:

Grant Bowie wrote:Atlas cedar do not back bud at all; not even the slightest bit;

Thanks Grant. I was afraid that was the case - that counts out a few of the trees I was considering as they have rather extended lower branching.

Would love to see some pictures of the one you have been working on. The mature Atlas bonsai definitely stand out for me as a favourite in the displays I have seen.

Tall, thin, elegant, long branched Atlas cedars can be one of the best literati you will ever see so don't automatically reject those that could become one.

I am no longer curator of the NBPCA and so it is up to the current management to post photos etc.

Cheers,

Grant

I agree with Grant about the elegance of Atlas cedars. Small needles and a lovely foliage colour, and they like cold weather.

Here is a picture of a tree styled by Joe Micaleff of Canberra in the mid-60s. It is a masterpiece of bending, so don't be afraid to pick a tall tree and work with it as a literati or whatever style it becomes.

Looks awesome. And very much like your avatar steve

Hi Steve, that is an amazing tree, thanks for posting!

I'm possibly approaching it the wrong way! What has sparked my interest in this tree has been some upright and informal upright examples I have seen, so I have been looking for a tree to fit with a pre-conceived style in mind - intead of just finding a good tree and letting it decide the style?

Here's some of my inspiration: