Best Trees for Bonsai
I believe one of the hardest things to learn about the art of Bonsai is proper tree selection. Not having much luck on following an instructional book I had purchased on Bonsai, I decided to take a class. Already having my tools and a few pots, I visited a nursery and picked out several different small trees I thought would be good for Bonsai. When I showed them to my instructor, he quickly pointed out their imperfections, such as leaves that were too big, underdeveloped roots, or limbs that were too far apart. Through my instructor's tutelage, I soon realized that some species of trees are just not suitable for Bonsai, so careful inspection is important when making your selection.
Over the years I experimented with many different species of trees, some were successes and some were failures. I learned to look at a tree or bush and visualize what it would look like in a Bonsai pot. I would ask myself, "Does it have good root structure, healthy leaves and adequately spaced tree limbs?" It can be disheartening to nurture a tree for months only to see it wither and die because it should have never been planted in a pot too small to begin with.
Some trees that I have had success with are:
Ficus (I have put this one at the top of my list because it is the easiest to grow.)
Hawaiian Umbrella
Gardenias
Dwarf Jade
Powder Puff (This is another easy grower.)
Bamboo
Bush Cherry
Japanese Maple
Trident Maple (Both the Japanese and Trident Maples are excellent trees to put in a group Bonsai settings.)
Holly
Willow
Chinese Elm
Hornbeam
Cypress
Boxwood (This bush is also a favorite of mine. It is softwood that is easy to mold into a Bonsai form.)
Juniper
Pines
Azaleas
Some trees are only suitable for indoor Bonsai, such as the Hawaiian Umbrella tree. Many people think the Bonsai pot is what makes the perfect Bonsai and although it is important, it is the right tree that makes that special Bonsai.
Source: Personal Experience, Bonsai class, Brussels Bonsai Nursery
Published by Agnes Farside - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Agnes loves writing on a wide range of topics, but craft and gardening articles are her favorite. She may be a 'techie' during the day, but her evenings and weekends are filled working on one of her many cr... View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentGood information.
I tried Bonsai (on a Fuchsia) once - miserably failed. Obviously the wrong choice. Thanks for the fine article.
Good job on this Agnes!
I had one once, and it died right away
I don't think I have the patience to grow one.
Success is borne from starting with the right materials or trees in this case! It is always good to know beforehand which trees aren't suitable for Bonzai because otherwise you'd just be disappointed when things didn't turn out.
I've often considered bonsai. You've inspired me to give it a try!