Evergreen Bonsai
Juniper, cedar, pine and cypress trees are conifers, never losing their leaves and remaining green year-round. They may at times lose their needles, and generally have a pleasant aroma. Evergreens come in a variety of colors – of course green, but also red, brown, or yellow. Also, larches and pines have needles but other evergreens have leaves, palms or other types of foliage.
Most Popular Types
In addition to juniper, cedar, pine and cypress, there are also hemlock, blue spruce and Scott’s pine.
Light
Evergreens generally need full sun, however, some grow well in the shade.
Temperatures
Coniferous evergreen trees are cold tolerant, living in the coldest regions of the planet, however, rainforest evergreens such as mahogany, ironwood, and tamarind prefer warmer temperatures.
Watering
In general, evergreen bonsai trees need lots of water. Coniferous evergreens like dry, well-draining soils, however rainforest evergreens prefer moist, soggy soils. Don’t overwater—this can lead to root rot. Water when the soil is dry. We place a wooden chopstick in the soil for a few minutes and check for moisture. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Toxicity
Evergreen bonsai are generally non-toxic to pets. Juniper is mildly toxic. (A Hemlock tree is not the same as “poison hemlock,” which is a plant resembling Queen Anne’s Lace.)
Growth
During growth, bonsai trees can be manipulated in multiple fashions to create a pleasing shape. Pruning or trimming branches (to remove excess limbs) and wiring branches will foster growth in the shape the gardener prefers.
Evergreen bonsais (as all plants) need nutrients to thrive. Increase feeding in the spring and early summer, using a high nitrogen fertilizer twice a month. In fall and winter, infrequently fertilize.
Origin
Evergreen trees are found worldwide, especially in the colder regions of the northern hemisphere. Coniferous forests cover 15% of the surface of the Earth and contain evergreens such as junipers, cedars, pines and hemlocks. Evergreen trees are also found in the tropical rainforests in Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and in Asia.
Propagation
Begin as seedlings or utilize cuttings from full-sized evergreen trees.
Dormancy
Both evergreen and deciduous bonsai trees enter a dormancy during the winter. Keeping conifers outside in cold weather facilitates the dormancy period, but rainforest evergreens must be brought in before freezing temps set in.
juniper bonsai aged
Aged look on bonsai trees can be done by stripping bark on the stem (shari).
juniper bonsai windswept
Windswept juniper
Workshops at Growing Hobby
Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.