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not Bonsai.... but stunning anyway.

Posted: May 17th, 2010, 12:00 pm
by bodhidharma
These are Tree Dahlia's that i planted 7 years ago on my property. This is the first time they have ever flowered. These species are frost tender and, like clockwork, every year when they are about to flower..FROST..and they die to the ground next day. But not this year. It might be a once in a lifetime so i thought i would share. :D

Re: not Bonsai.... but stunning anyway.

Posted: May 17th, 2010, 12:05 pm
by Amanda
The flowers are very pretty. How tall is the tree and size of the flowers?

Re: not Bonsai.... but stunning anyway.

Posted: May 17th, 2010, 12:13 pm
by Greth
They generally grow to about 3-4 metres, then die back to the ground and start again next year! The Aussie record for these is about 25 feet, but that was in a confined space with limited light. There are various shades of pink available, also white and a double flowered form. Grew these a lot in my old garden, havent established them here (yet)
Flowers about 6 inches across, depending on variety and health.
Propagated very simply by cutting down the canes and planting sections containing 2-3 nodes horizontally in the ground. Hope that all helps.

Re: not Bonsai.... but stunning anyway.

Posted: May 17th, 2010, 12:23 pm
by bodhidharma
Greth wrote:They generally grow to about 3-4 metres, then die back to the ground and start again next year! The Aussie record for these is about 25 feet, but that was in a confined space with limited light. There are various shades of pink available, also white and a double flowered form. Grew these a lot in my old garden, havent established them here (yet)
Flowers about 6 inches across, depending on variety and health.
Propagated very simply by cutting down the canes and planting sections containing 2-3 nodes horizontally in the ground. Hope that all helps.
You can be my ghost writer anytime :lol: Everything she said is true Anja ;)

Re: not Bonsai.... but stunning anyway.

Posted: May 17th, 2010, 12:28 pm
by Pup
Very nice, Bohdi, and Greth cannot be your ghost, she has already offered to be mine.

Mind you yesterday I saw some real ghosts every time I looked in the mirror. As said better today though.

Cheers :) Pup

Re: not Bonsai.... but stunning anyway.

Posted: May 17th, 2010, 12:37 pm
by Greth
Dont fight over me guys, oh, ok, go ahead. Someone pass the popcorn, please.

Re: not Bonsai.... but stunning anyway.

Posted: May 17th, 2010, 12:41 pm
by bodhidharma
Greth wrote:Dont fight over me guys, oh, ok, go ahead. Someone pass the popcorn, please.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I'm gunna have to pass because.. Dammit...Pups right, you offered yourself up to him first and i am a man of honour.

Re: not Bonsai.... but stunning anyway.

Posted: May 17th, 2010, 1:21 pm
by Amanda
:lol:

Thanks for that information, Greth :)

Re: not Bonsai.... but stunning anyway.

Posted: May 17th, 2010, 1:26 pm
by kvan64
The MacDonalds store near my place has one that has been in full flowers every year and I've been wondering what it is. Thank you so much for the name! I will be in search for some small plant now.
DK

Re: not Bonsai.... but stunning anyway.

Posted: May 18th, 2010, 8:16 am
by Greth
Shouldnt be a once in a lifetime, but you do need to keep fertilizer up a bit, 4 metres of new growth every year takes a bit of effort!
Diggers used to provide seedlings, Kvan, but tiny. You will get quicker results from a section of cane, simply ask anyone who has got one, needs to be cut down every year anyway. Even Maccas might spare you a back branch, if you ask politely!