I am interested in making a bonsai from the wild, scrub plum which I see along the interstate here in Georgia. I also have a small shrub, which my mother calls pink flowering almond. The leaf in both cases is smaller than that of a peach and both are prolific spring bloomers.
My thought for both is to plant them out, shorten the main shoot to encourage branching, and encourage leaf growth to thicken the main trunks for a year or two. After that I plan to dig, root prune and pot them. Only then would I begin looking at styling.
Does this seem like a reasonable plan of action? Or does anyone have suggestions that I have not covered?
In addition, I have a tellima 'Forest Frost' that I am preparing to divide. The growth habit is similar to Heuchera but it is more heat tolerant. I think that it might make a good accent plant. I anticipate at least two starts extra, if anyone is interested.
Beth
wild plum bonsai
Your plan sounds great! Good luck!