Flowering Bonsai
Some Ideas For A Flowering Bonsai
There may be some misconceptions about flowering bonsai trees and plants. A bonsai can be looked at as a miniature version of a full sized tree, and often a miniature that has been trained to form a unique shape. A bonsai maple or pine may be trained to look like a very old tree. To some, having the bonsai burst into bloom would in some ways ruin the effect. The blossoms would seem excessively large and out of place on such a tiny tree. Some evergreen bonsai, particularly those with needles, can indeed look like true miniatures. One the other hand, deciduous bonsai, such as oaks or maples will have the same full sized leaves as do the regular trees. So why not have bonsai that flower as well? The truth is, the flowering bonsai is well established and very popular, with some flowering varieties being among the most widely bonsai trees and plants grown.
Care - There are some differences as far as care is concerned. When any plant blooms, a large amount of energy goes into the bloom and into the seed or seeds that accompany the bloom. If you are growing a flowering bonsai and wish for it to continue to produce blooms year after year, or whenever the blooming cycle may be, spent blooms are going to have to be removed to allow for new growth, supporting the next set of blooms. In addition, a flowering bonsai generally requires heavier feeding that do most non-flowering bonsai trees or plants. More frequent fertilizing is often needed just prior to and during the blooming period.
The Azalea, A Great Favorite - While the emphasis here appears to be on tree, many perennial plants and shrubs can be grown as a flowering bonsai. One of the favorites and easiest to grow is the Azalea. The many species and varieties of azalea provide a wide choice of flower color, size and to some degree, shape. Another reason for the popularity if the Azalea is it takes well to pruning, and can often be pruned to resemble a small tree, rather than a shrub. An Azalea bonsai can be grown as a true miniature, or grown somewhat larger, and pruned to any number of attractive shapes. The Azalea fits well into what is called the Comic, or informal style in bonsai. Azaleas typically bloom in the late spring. The Satsuki Azalea is one of the more popular varieties but there are many varieties suitable for flowering bonsai.
Some Popular Types - The list of flowering trees and plants suitable for a flowering bonsai is really quite lengthy. A few of these are listed here to give the reader an idea of the variety one can choose from. Olive trees are chosen for their fragrance and small blossoms, while Cherry trees are often a choice because of all the trees suitable for bonsai, cherry trees are among the easiest to work with. One of the more beautiful flowering bonsai specimens is the Gardenia shrub, with its fragrant clusters of flowers. The Japanese Maple is perhaps the most widely grown of all bonsai plants. We don't usually associate blossoms with the maple tree, but the Japanese Maple has small blossoms, either purple or red in color. Other popular candidates for a flowering bonsai are the Dwarf Pomegranate, the Japanese Flowering Quince, the Orange Jasmine, the Flowering Apricot and the Mimosa, of which there are numerous varieties.
Go For It - There's nothing wrong with selecting a flowering plant for your first attempt at growing a bonsai plant. Aside from the special considerations in caring for a flowering bonsai, which were noted above, care and maintenance is basically the same as for any other type of bonsai. Reading a good book on the subject is the recommended way of getting off to a good start. The key with any bonsai plant or tree, flowering or not, is to keep the soil moist at all times. If you can manage that, your project will more than likely be a success.