On July 23 I posted a progression of a peepul tree, Ficus religiosa. This water jasmine has the same species name, indicating the high regard in which it is held in its native habitats, but it is a different genus. The water jasmine is found in tropical regions of Southeast Asia. It has a sweet fragrance and beautiful hanging flowers.
The tree today.
The tree the day it arrived from Wigert’s nursery a little over a year ago. Typically my tree progressions start small and get bigger over time, but this one already had a developed trunk so I removed most of its branches to make the trunk visible.
Another view of the tree in its original styling.
Initial branch-pruning.
Exposed structure.
The tree still has lots of lower branches.
The tree lost its leaves over the winter but started budding out again in March.
Leafing out. Time for a repot!
Lots of roots.
Removed about half the root mass, and removed more of the lower branches.
Positioning the tree in a new Japanese pot from Wigert’s Bonsai.
Tying the tree into the pot with wire.
Potted up.
Summer growth.
I am calling this the front side for now.
Flowering in August.
The back side of the tree earlier today before the top was pruned.
The front side of the tree today after the top was pruned.
beginBonsai 