Japanese Garden

Working on a Buttercup Witch Hazel – Creating Taper in Bonsai



Hi Everyone! In this video we are working on a Winter Hazel for Bonsai. Specifically, the Buttercup Witch Hazel – Corylopsis Pauciflora.

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The methods and approach to this tree are very much long term plans with the trunkline and structure of the Bonsai – with the goal of creating taper.

I perform two “trunk chops” on this tree – a method of creating taper on a tree by cutting the main trunk and allowing a side branch to become the new leader of the tree.

As there is little to no information about this specific genus online, I have done my own extensive research about this species.

How should you care for a Corylopsis Pauciflora?

This Winter Hazel should be repot every two to three years in spring. It is best to prune this tree after it has finished flowering so that flower buds for the following season can form.

This tree likes to be placed in partial to full sun in mid summer. When watering – never let the soil fully dry out between waterings, but allow enough time between each watering so that some of the water can evaporate and the soil doesnt become too waterlogged.

To encourage more growth – deadhead the flowers when the tree has finished flowering.

It is not succeptible to many pests or diseases, however it is good to look out for a condition known as chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves) – this is when the tree cannot properly photosynthesize and produce chlorophyll. With the Buttercup Witch Hazel, this is usually due to the soil being too alkaline – as a result the tree cannot take sufficient nutrients to the leaves therefore it is good to keep this tree in a more acidic type soil.

TIMECODES:
00:00 – Intro
00:51 – Bonsai Tools
01:16 – Looking for a Nebari
03:10 – Choosing a Front
03:41 – Problem Trunk
04:39 – Creating Taper
04:59 – Trunk Chop
05:59 – Using Cut Putty
06:14 – Propagating Hazel
06:56 – Design Options
08:24 – Another Trunk Chop
09:30 – Wiring to Point the Leader Up

#hazelbonsai #bonsai #bonsaitree #notionbonsai

22 Comments

  1. Hi, I once made a comment that you speak quickly. Either you've slowed down a little or I am getting used to the accent. Always enjoy your videos.

  2. Hi Adam that got a bit drastic. Love your straightforward style. Maybe you could let us know your favourite tree, why it's your favourite and what it's story is. Xx

  3. Thank You for the idea on selecting the proper size wire. Loved it! I joined a local Bonsai Society. and am hoping to have something started by the first if the year. I haven't decided on the type of plant yet. Any suggestions for a beginner?

  4. Bought a nice ficus plant from a local store. I started looking for tips on how to take care of it and found your channel. However, I think I got too excited and may have cut too much lol… 🙁 I hope it regrows to a beautiful lush.

    Anyways, great video nonetheless.

  5. That’s a brave thing to do with the tree but the right thing to do for long term health of the tree and you are right to suggest not letting it flower for at least one maybe two flowering seasons.

  6. That looked like it had potential right from the start, had some taper,not a bad shape, lots of fine branching …

    You were very bold with it, and then got bolder still. You'll have a nice tree in a few years that was a smart move.

    Could really see it once you done it ..

    You ever done anything with the lots dwarf small Christmas trees in pots that are in the shops right now??

    I've always been tempted but never been brave enough to try.

  7. Drastic cutback when you had a choice to cut higher and thicken the trunk more than it will do now due to less food requirement. The saying " less is more " is not always true with younger trees like this one.

  8. Great work, Adam. These videos just keep getting better!

    I swear when you went for the trunk chop, I could hear Peter saying, "we must…*grunt*… be bold."

  9. Hi Adam, another great video, entertaining and informative. Your way to concentrate on the key information and to cut it to the essential sequences is somewhat unique, never to let it allow turn boring. Looking forward to your next video. Thanks and Cheers Dirk

  10. Newbie here, I didn't understand the point of pinning down the lower branch , and you said it may come off at a later date ??

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