Stewartia Bonsai

Any good sources for Stewartia bonsai trees here in the US? I would like to buy a specimen tree. Suggestions, please.

I don't know what the restrictions on importing Stewartia are, and I doubt they are being grown commercially for bonsai like, say, trident maples. I bought 3 nice starters a few years ago from an ebay seller in Oregon. One collapsed last year, one is going well and the other is struggling. They all did well at first, and all were potted the same and receive the same care. Brussel's in Olive Branch, MS, may be a source but I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a nice tree until you know what you're doing. Stewartias can be picky.

Thanks, Russ!

I don't mean to discourage you, it's just that Stewartias aren't your average duck. Also, I'm at the very end of their southern range so you may not have the difficulties that I have. I just don't want to see you spend a lot of money on a tree that needs more experience than you may have. Your attraction is certainly understandable, a good Stewartia is truly a site to behold.

I know nothing about this seller, but this is the species you want...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TALL-STEWARTIA-MONADELPHA-FOR-BONSAI-OR-LANDSCAPE-3-FT-BRANCHED-TREE-SEEDLING-/170807671813?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c4ee3c05

Good luck!

I looked at that E Bay offer. One point important to me. The seller shows a photo of a "finished" tree, but that is NOT what he is selling. I think this is dishonest.

Sorry Billy but if you read the description it says that the picture is not what he is selling.

Curtis wrote:Sorry Billy but if you read the description it says that the picture is not what he is selling.

True, and most of the sellers listing bonsai material do the same thing, even when they are selling seeds. I actually bought mine from 'oregongrownnursery', or something like that.

Curtis wrote:Sorry Billy but if you read the description it says that the picture is not what he is selling.

Right, and all the beginners read all of the ad and don't just look at the picture and the price!!!

If he is honest, why not post a photo of what he is selling?

Probably to make you stop and look. Unless you actually know what this material is, why not show what a 3 foot branched whip in a 4 inch pot can do? I'm more offended at the price, but I guess it's supply and demand.

I'd check out Forestfarm too.

If your ever in CT, I found a local nursery that has about twenty five 6 footers that have many low branches and 3-4 inch trunks. I'm gong to experiment with one this weekend.

Interesting discussion, but I'm still looking for a good specimen tree to buy or good pre-bonsai stock. Ideas, please.

Russell Coker wrote:
Probably to make you stop and look. Unless you actually know what this material is, why not show what a 3 foot branched whip in a 4 inch pot can do? I'm more offended at the price, but I guess it's supply and demand.

I'd check out Forestfarm too.

Interesting that they don't mention that it will take 100 years to produce the bonsai that is shown from the 3 foot whip...and that's if you do everything right and are lucky in addition.

The price does seem high, especially since shipping is extra.

I don't have any suggestions on where to obtain stewartia pre-bonsai...I know plenty of places to get seedlings but can't remember seeing much (if any) larger stock advertised. They are beautiful trees. I've had a couple of stewartia monadelpha seedlings that I was going to grow out, but neither made it...they do seem touchy. Stewartia pseudocamellia seems tougher but of course is a larger, coarser plant. We have a couple of them as yard trees.

ChrisA wrote:If your ever in CT, I found a local nursery that has about twenty five 6 footers that have many low branches and 3-4 inch trunks. I'm gong to experiment with one this weekend.

Damn, that's just mean!

Just for kicks, what does nursery stock like that cost?

rck89 wrote:Interesting discussion, but I'm still looking for a good specimen tree to buy or good pre-bonsai stock. Ideas, please.

I don't mean this quite as pissy as it's going to sound... but weren't you all over the place last summer wondering what was going on with something as easy as bald cypress - bugs, virus, fungus - when it seems that what it needed was more water???? Are you sure you're ready to spend a buttload of money on something as iffy as a good Stewartia? Seems like you'd be money ahead by buying the sapling off ebay and practicing on it first.

Just thinking out loud...

Dear rck89,

I have a Stewartia pre-bonsai tree (not bonsai yet).
If you cannot find that tree in anyway, I can send you some seeds or cuts in this autumn. Free of charge of course
Just let me know.

Taner

ive heard they have a tendency to drop lower branches. Ive had finicky ones as well, thats when I switched to crepe myrtle as what I was attracted to the most about the stewartia was the bark which I feel is similar. they are much easier as long as you have good winter storage in Chicago. I think the fact they are so hard to find as garden plants, much less as a bonsai is a sign that they have a tendency to die.

Russ - Good memory! My Bald Cypresses (sp?) seemed to have recovered all are doing nicely so far this Spring. I don't think watering was the problem, since most of the time I left them in standing water! I treated them over the winter with fungicide and that seemed to do the trick. Finally, I love the Stewartia so I'm willing to try my hand at them. So whatelse to with hard earned money...buy a sports car?

Haha, that's probably what it will take. Seriously, try someone who imports like Brussel Martin or Mike Hansen (MBP) in Austin. You may also want to get Bill V's thoughts on this. Maybe he can hook you up.

This is the Stewartia that I picked up from a local nursery in Northwest CT. The nursery had a $200 price tag on it, but sold it to me for $40. I'm going to leave the tree alone and wait to chop off the large right branch. Not sure what kind of Stewartia it is, but hopefully I'll be able to ID it when it blooms.


[img] Untitled by Suckerpunching, on Flickr[/img]

[img] Untitled by Suckerpunching, on Flickr[/img]

ChristA - Good looking tree! But think seriously about losing the right branch. If for no other reason, the trunk needs fattening. And the right might be a "sacrific" some years down the road.