This powerful old Satsuki azalea belongs to Boon Manakitivipart. The shot was taken just before spring pruning. Boon's caption with this shot and the one just below is... "Satsuki azalea Debloom and thinning"

Boon Manakitivipart (Bonsai Boon) is one of our favorites and has appeared numerous times here over the years. In addition to being a highly accomplished and prolific bonsai artist, Boon is teacher to many of the best American bonsai artists. The photos shown here were taken from Boon’s timeline. Three of them are first timers here.

You might notice that flowers were removed during spring pruning on this Satsuki azalea (see photo just below). Heavy pruning is often done in the spring when plants are most vigorous. This helps insure speedy recovery and allows plenty of time for next year’s buds to set. In this process, it’s not unusual to remove this year’s blooms. Hopefully after you’ve had a little time to enjoy them. –

After pruning. It almost seems a crime to remove the beautiful flowers, but sometimes the long term wins out.

Another of Boon's Satsuki azaleas. I borrowed it from our archives. Here's our original caption... "This Satsuki azalea’s trunk reminds me of some of Antoni Gaudi’s sculptural architecture that graces the great city of Barcelona. Though in truth, the tree resides in Boon Manakitivipart’s impressive bonsai collection in the great city of Alameda, California" (Boon has since moved to Hayward, another Bay Area City).

Boon at work. He doesn't say what the tree is. The leaves look like they might be Katsura, but there are other type trees with heart shaped leaves, so don't take my guess to the bank