I've so far avoided JWP thinking they'd suffer our summers. Being slightly north of you, and much nearer the mountains my climate is probably a little closer to where this tree came from. I'm completely unfamiliar with JWP care. Could you explain briefly the major steps in care throughout the year?
Hey Wayne,
I also had concerns about the climate and had a small JWP for about 8 years before I purchased this one. There are also several other JWP...of various varieties...including wart bark and zuishio that have done well in this area for many years. One of the things that convinced me most to take the plunge was the location of the nursery in Japan from which I purchased this tree. It was late November but the heat and humidity felt very much like home....the latitude is almost identical as well.
As far as care is concerned I am embarrassed to say that I have to do very little to this tree. Unlike JBP, in my experience JWP will only push one set of buds a season...due to this, care is much simplified. Once the candles have hardened off, I prune anything that is out of shape. I fertilize and water judicially through the growing season. In the fall, I remove last year's needles and thin this year's needles in areas where the growth is heavy. This tree lives on its table year round...no protection at all in the winter and medium sun in the summer... Otherwise, I spend the rest of the time just enjoying:)
I have often heard people say that JWP is difficult to maintain...to this point I find just the opposite to be true fortunately. IMO the most difficult thing to do is find a decent one. This may sound crazy but I wanted to buy several in Japan...the price was right and Yamaji had hundreds of these growing in the ground and more than a few in pots. This was the only one I could find that had all the right characteristics. My friend, Ken Duncan (who somebody needs to invite here please:)) also purchased one and still has it....its nice as well but a little different that this one.
Just for the record I have also successfully maintained a mame JWP that I purchased from Suthin in 2005. Just can't seem to find a pic at the moment...it is less than 4" and in a tiny container.
Thanks for the interest...I hope this helps.
John
