Reverting Ilex Aquifolium variegata Collection Project
I recently moved into my new home and discovered this phenomenal piece of material in the garden: a reverting, thick-trunked Ilex aquifolium 'Variegata'. Based on its size and the history of the previous owners being serious gardeners, I estimate this specimen is approximately 30 years old with mature bark.
My Plan:
Collection & Chop: I intend to collect the tree and immediately chop the trunk back severely to begin developing it into a future shohin (small) bonsai. Or… a bit taller than a shohin.
Substrate: I will pot the collected stump directly into a highly porous, inorganic substrate mix primarily composed of pumice and akadama. This is crucial for encouraging fast, healthy root growth post-collection.
I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has successfully collected and drastically reduced the size of an older Ilex specimen. What species-specific aftercare techniques did you find most successful?
by Affectionate-Mud9321
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