Flowering Bonsai
Flowering bonsai are a firm favourite with many people. The combination of the miniature size of the tree and the brilliant colours of the flowers create a spectacular flowering bonsai tree.
There are many species of flowering bonsai. They include Satsuki Azalea, Cotoneaster, Winter Jasmine, Crab Apple, Flowering Cherry, Wisteria, Serissa, Firethorn, Deciduous Holly, Quince, White and Red Hawthorn, Japanese Flowering Apricot and Pomegranate.
Some are suitable for the outdoors whilst others can be kept indoors. Here are some details about two popular species.
Azalea Bonsai Tree Starting to Flower
Satsuki Azalea (Rhododendron indicum) produces magnificent displays of flowers in late spring / early summer. This explains the origin of the satsuki name (meaning fifth moon in Japanese – corresponding to the time of flowering in June). The same tree can produce flowers with different colours and different markings.
For some wonderful examples of azalea flowers visit the Satsuki Azalea Society website. The Japanese have been growing these colourful azaleas for over 300 years.
A tip for buying Satsuki Azaleas is to do so during the flowering season when you can see the splendour of their colours.
Azaleas are best kept in semi-shade outdoors. During the winter they should be protected from wind and frost. It is important to use lime-free soil and to remove dead flowers quickly.
Another favourite flowering bonsai is Crab Apple (Malus species). Many varieties are available which produce flowers of different colours in spring. The colours range from white to cream to pink to cerise. The small autumnal fruits also come in different colours.
Prolific flowering is encouraged by pruning in late summer. Common varieties include Halls Crab Apple, Common Crab Apple and Nagasaki Crab Apple.
Crab Apples should be kept in full sun. Frost is not a problem, unless the bonsai are small. They need plenty of water, especially when the fruit is being formed. Because of this a deeper than normal pot should be used.
Both these trees are relatively easy to grow and so are suitable for newcomers to bonsai.
« Repotting Bonsai | Home | Bonsai Information »
Comments are closed.