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Wilmington Creeper update

  • jtp

Well, we have talked previously about this unknown fig I picked up (slingha bought one as well) earlier in the year from a local greenhouse here in NC. It was originally tagged "Dwarf Creeping 'BT,'" based on what the greenhouse owner told me. I have since dubbed it "Wilmington Creeper," as it is unique and not BT as the seller once told me.

Tonight, I spoke with his wife (she was younger and a bit more sharp than he appeared), when I went to buy one of the last of these plants. It is not a tissue culture, as speculated on the forum. She said they bought "rooted cuttings from a large nursery in Florida." Unfortunately, she could not recall the name of the business. She told me it was pitched to them as a fig chosen for its dwarf characteristics and cascading growth to be sold for the "patio fruit-growers."

She reiterated that it produces purple/brown figs and said the previous declaration by her husband that it was Brown Turkey or a "Southern Fig" was incorrect. That said, she had no official name for the variety.

Regardless, it is kind of neat. Its leaves never got larger than maybe 2 1/2 inches long (most were smaller). All of the branches flowed sideways and downward over the pot's edge. And I have never seen so many buds packed onto a branch, maybe one to two per 1/2 inch.

Mine did not fruit this year, but I guess some at the greenhouse did so later in the summer. She also said she felt it would work great as a bonsai. I suppose she could be right. However, since I am going for the fruit, mine will grow out. And once they are dormant, I will likely have some cuttings to trade, if anyone is interested in this curious, little fig.

John,
As a bonsai grower I would love to try one as a bonsai.
Appreciate being put on the list for a cutting when and if you get some going.
Jerry Bonsaihunk
http://www.bonsaihunk.us

  • jtp

You got it, Jerry. Keep in touch and I'll get you cuttings. I'll be interested to see what you do with this tree.

Well, I don't have one thing on your wish list, except for Pomegranates.  Want some "Wonderful" cuttings?  I think you need wine grapes!  I have a ton of those!

Suz

  • jtp

I like wine, Suzi. You're on the list! The cuttings will be smaller than those from larger specimens, but slingha posted earlier that this variety roots like crazy. With all of those tightly-packed nodes, I bet they do.

John can you post some images of the plant? Leaves, branches and general growth habit would be great.
Jerry

  • jtp

There are some photos posted on another thread titled "Dwarf Creeping BT." It is not BT, of course, but that is what the seller originally told me.

jpeaspanen put me on the list as well.....I have two different mulberrys one tree that has white mulberries and one bush that has black mulberries.....I have the names/types on the tags if you need specifics.
thanks

  • jtp

Suzi and cookie_dr, you are both included. Thank you for your trades.

Jerry,

Did you ever judge a bonsai contest at Tellys Greenhouse in Troy, Mi. a couple years ago?
Al F. ( Tapla ) judged that contest and we went to Bahama Breeze afterward.

Just wondering if you were there because you look familiar.



I purchased 2 of these from that nursery. One went to a member of this board, the other I have planted in-ground. I promised some cuttings to members which I will send once I have power. 

Ive rooted 10 cuttings in simple MG soil with 100% effectiveness. If you are local to North Jersey or NYC and want one, i'm happy to give it away. send me a PM. may take me a day or 2 to respond 

they have bahama breeze in MI? we have couple down here.. dueling piano bar. we had my friend's little brother's bachelor party there.. well sort of. ended up getting kicked out of the place. that was about 4th place we get kicked out of that night.

  • jtp

All of the cuttings are spoken for now. I might have more later on. Thanks to all who made trades.

Thank YOU John!  I'm glad I swept you into my alter-hobby!  I got Danny too!  The wine grape cuttings will arrive in Jan/Feb.  Nothing smells better than the cuttings of the grape vine!  And you can bend those vine prunings into wreaths, christmas trees, and anything you want.  They are pliable, so if you choose not to make wine, the vines themselves are awesome!  Plus, soaked, they are great for adding smoke in the BBQ.

Suzi

  • jtp

Oh, I'll be rooting those babies. Rest assured. I am already researching what to do to make them thrive. If you have any tips to share, PM me. Thanks, Suzi!

Suzi
I love making homemade wine. Although I have been buying grapes/ fruits to make it. I have bought a couple of muscadine grape vines
. I'm still new to it only started about a year ago. Which has sparked my inner gardener and then my new found lust for figs.
What all varieties of grapes to you use Suzi? Nice learning that I have other hobby interests with members here.
Love this forum

20160901_160154-1.jpeg  This is the "Wilmington Creeper" first fruit ever on it.  The tree is probably 5' tall after all these years.  Some branches lay across the ground and a few are upright.  The leaves are no longer small in size.  This tree is hardy here and the first to bud in the spring.  It is grown in ground.


Sure does look like a tissue cultured Brown Turkey, thank you for the update Diane.

Hi,
Actually, the leaf, the serration of the leaf and fruit look more like the lda family.
Post the fruit when ripe ... It'll help ...

Reminds me of a Southern BT. Post some pics of the inside!

Some should be ripe soon.  We are not expecting any rain this week and it will be in the 90's.  Will post pictures then.

20160904_084542-1.jpeg  20160904_084433-1.jpeg 
Fig tasted good with a berry flavor.  I probably should have waited longer before picking.  No crunch of seeds.  I like it.


Looks good

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