Wow incredible, and so well caught for documentation of the phenomenon.

1) A graft need not push, as long as the needles are healthy and retained.
2) A bud can appear the next year from elsewhere than the previous growth points. But not push - again.
3) It then acts as the axis for several buds to push from it.

Fascinating and well worth knowing that this delayed capabilty exists at least in picea. Life finds a way.

Thank you very much for that, Nate. Great chronology.

So how long did the spider protect it (Aug 17, 2013)?

tj

Yes! This is wonderful documentation. I admire your patience, Sluice!
This kind of cronological series of photos is something we all should do much more for both science and fun. Iôm very inspired by this.

That thing wanted to live!

Dax

Thanks Severnside, TJ, Jari, and Dax!

TJ, I'll have another look, maybe the spider is still around there somewhere ;)

Just noticed these two new buds today on a P. pungens 'RM 258' scion that was grafted in February 2011. Hopefully they will develop into shoots in spring 2015!
{{gwi:601538}}

Now that would be delayed! So the needles are four years old? You are certainly showing some extremes of dormancy and reanimation.