Flowering Bonsai – 3 Of The Best

Author: Ruth Morgan

Flowering bonsai trees are ideal for providing vibrancy to any garden or home. The combination of the miniature size of the tree and the brilliant colours of the flowers create a spectacular flowering bonsai.

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. They all produce different displays and are very much valued as bonsai. Details about 3 of the most popular are given below.

1. Satsuki Azalea (Rhododendron indium) 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). It is possible for the same tree to produce flowers with different colours and different markings.

These colourful azaleas have been grown by the Japanese 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 the 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.

2. Another favourite flowering bonsai is Crab Apple (Malus species). Many varieties are available which produce wonderful fragrant 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. Crab Apples should be repotted every year in early spring before the start of growth.

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. Water frequently and ensure that they have plenty of moisture when the fruit is being formed. Because of this a deeper than normal pot should be used for Crab Apple. The informal style is popular – with single and multi-trunk forms.

3. The third flowering bonsai is pomegranate (Punica granatum). It is native to the Mediterranean and China. The geographical spread of this tree was greatly helped by the Romans! It is an ideal bonsai as it has a twisted trunk, gnarled bark, colourful funnel shaped flowers and yellow / red fruits. In addition, the leaves turn yellow in autumn. This results in a wonderful bonsai tree, often seen as an informal upright style.

During the growing season it should be placed in full sun – this can be either indoors or outdoors. But in very hot weather trees that are kept indoors should have their roots protected from the sun. If winter temperatures are kept above 17 degrees Centigrade (63 degrees Fahrenheit) the pomegranate will remain evergreen. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 5 degrees Centigrade (41 degrees Fahrenheit) but brought indoors to a well lit cool position.

All of these trees are relatively easy to grow and are therefore suitable for newcomers to bonsai. Experiment and enjoy!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/flowering-bonsai-3-of-the-best-1997415.html

About the Author

Ruth Morgan is a bonsai enthusiast and the author of Beautiful Bonsai Secrets – a step-by-step guide to growing and developing beautiful bonsai trees. To claim your free preview of Beautiful Bonsai Secrets go to http://beautifulbonsaisecrets.com today.

Boehm Photography Plant – Penjing Bonsai with Orange Flowers – Mugs Penjing Bonsai with Orange Flowers Mug is new. Why drink coffee out of an ordinary mug when an imprinted mug is so much cooler? Microwave safe, FDA approved. Image is printed on both sides of the mug. Dishwasher use is not recommended….

Boehm Photography Plant – Penjing Bonsai with Orange Flowers – Tile Napkin Holders Penjing Bonsai with Orange Flowers Tile Napkin Holder is measuring 6w x 6h x 4d. Made from high quality solid maple wood with satin finish and two 4.25 commercial grade mirror gloss ceramic tiles. Holds napkins, mail, letters or files. In addition, customized engraving, on the face of the item, is available on request….

Boehm Photography Plant – Penjing Bonsai with Orange Flowers – Trivets Penjing Bonsai with Orange Flowers Trivet is measuring 8w x 8h x .75d. Made of solid wood with padding on back that protects your furniture. Framed trivet comes with 6w x 6h ceramic gloss tile attached to the wood frame….

Miracle-Gro 100052 Liquid Houseplant Food – 8 oz $2.02 MIRACLE GRO LIQUID HOUSEPLANT FOOD *8 oz. *Analysis: 8-7-6 *Promotes lush, healthy looking houseplants *Liquid concentrate-mix 10 to 20 drops per quart of water *Feed while you water *For all plants *Indoor/outdoor *Apply every 2 weeks for best results *Bottle…

Brussel’s DT8045FF Fringe Flower Bonsai $29.99 An explosion of vivid maroon honeysuckle-like blooms highlight the Chinese Fringe Flower in May and the deep purple leaves make it an unusual favorite throughout the year. This colorful outdoor bonsai is happiest in a sunny location and is an excellent accent on a porch, patio or deck….

Japanese Flowering Cherry Bonsai Tree (prunus serrulata) $79.95 Few trees exemplify the spirit of Japanese bonsai more than a lovely cherry in bloom. Displays abundant pink and white flowers in spring followed by black fruits. Decideous. Keep outdoors.

Podocarpus Bonsai Tree (podocarpus macrophyllus) $95 Aka Buddhist Pine or Chinese Yew. The Podocarpus is a dense evergreen with pointed, leathery, dark green leaves arranged on stiff, symmetrical branches. The tree which is unisexual, has male flowers in cones and female flowers composed of cylindrical thickened scales. The fruits are edible, pendiculate, fleshy and brightly colored. New floiage appears light green in color that turns darker with age. Our tree is trained in the traditional bonsai style. Grows very well albeit slowly indoors.

Flowering Gardenia Bonsai Tree – Large Clump Style (jasminoides miami supreme) $69.95 The Gardenia is prized for its flowers, fragrant perfume and cream white color. It is also graced with dark evergreen foliage which makes a beautiful contrast to the delicate flowers. Blooms in late spring and summer. Great indoor bonsai.

Flowering Japanese Wisteria Bonsai Tree (wisteria floribunda) $59.95 This delightful wisteria we’ve all admired on a pergola or arbor has now been trained into a classic tree form. With its shiny, bright green foliage which falls in the autumn, and fragrant pea-like purple flowers dangling in clusters, this bonsai tree is a magnificent show stopper when in bloom.

Rock Hornbeam Bonsai Tree (carpinus turczaninovii) $250 Native to Korea, China and Japan. Full size leaves are 2″ but reduce nicely as bonsai to create this attractive forest-like setting. New foliage is a deep bronze color which turns to a combination of red, orange and yellow in the fall. Produces hop-like flowers and seed pods when mature. Deciduous. Keep outdoors.