Page 200 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

200 Plant care directory

Plant care directory

This directory provides a brief description and summary of care

for many of the most popular trees and shrubs used for bonsai,
listed in alphabetical order by botanical name.

Abies
are frost hardy (zones 5–8) but should be
Key to hardiness FIR protected from any deep freezing of the roots.
Plant entries have been given hardiness True fir trees are not often used because they If temperatures regularly drop below freezing
descriptions and zone numbers as are generally unsuitable for bonsai techniques. for extended periods, winter protection is
follows: There are a number of dwarf varieties that are essential. When new shoots are breaking in
Frost tender Plant may be damaged by more suited to shohin trees that can be found spring or after defoliation in summer, provide
temperatures below 41°F (5°C). in garden centers, but classical styling may be protection from intense sun and wind.
Half hardy Plant can withstand difficult. Species include A. alba (silver fir), Otherwise, they are happy in full sun, but
temperatures down to 32°F (0°C). North American native A. grandis (grand fir), appreciate semi-shade in intense midday
Frost hardy Plant can withstand Korean fir A. koreana and its cultivar ‘Compact sunlight during the height of summer.
temperatures down to 23°F (-5°C). Dwarf’, as well as A. lasiocarpa (alpine fir), Watering Maples can be very thirsty species
Fully hardy Plant can withstand which is perhaps the most suitable species for in the spring/summer period when new buds
temperatures down to 5°F (-15°C). cultivation in a container. are opening and are then in full leaf: it is very
All are hardy (zones 3–7); these important not to allow the leaves to dry out
Hardiness zones developed by the mountainous conifers tolerate cold, but it is at this time through lack of moisture. During
United States Department of Agriculture essential to protect the pot and roots in winter in cold climates with average
are often used to determine plant extreme freezing conditions. Protect from temperatures of 41°F (5°C), the soil may
hardiness. They are based on average cold, drying winds and provide shade in remain moist from November until March; do
annual minimum temperatures in given intense summer sunlight. They prefer well- not overwater for fear of causing root damage
geographical areas drained soil since they suffer from root rot. through freezing. In warmer climates the roots
(see http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ Treat in a similar way to spruce (Picea abies). are still active, so monitor soil moisture levels.
PHZMWeb/). The zone rating for each Fertilizing Use a well-balanced organic
plant indicates the coldest zones in which fertilizer—but the rate and timing of
it can survive winter. Bear in mind that Acer application depends on the tree and its stage
other factors including altitude, exposure MAPLE of development. If the tree is still in the early
to wind, and the intensity of cold also There are numerous varieties of this stages, and thickness and rapid growth is
affect hardiness—and that bonsai may be deciduous tree, and many are classic species required, fertilize heavily from bud break in
more vulnerable because of being in a for bonsai. Grown for their year-round appeal, spring until leaf drop in fall, with a break in
pot, so take the time to get to know maples look refined and elegant in winter with midsummer when average temperatures rise
conditions in your own area. their naked branches; vigorous in spring with to 90°F (32°C) and over. For more developed
delicate new shoots; cooling in summer with a trees where the goal is delicate ramification,
Zone 1 below -50°F (-46°C) luscious canopy of foliage; and they come into only fertilize lightly once the buds have
Zone 2 -50 to -40°F (-46 to -40°C) their element in fall as the leaves turn vibrant opened, been pinched, and the leaves have
Zone 3 -40 to -30°F (-40 to -34°C) shades of red, yellow, and orange. opened and hardened off. Fertilize more
Zone 4 -30 to -20°F (-34 to -29°C) Each of the popular bonsai varieties have heavily in fall to build-up strength for winter
Zone 5 -20 to -10°F (-29 to -23°C) their own idiosyncrasies—initially, it is best to and the following spring. Do not fertilize in
Zone 6 -10 to 0°F (-23 to -18°C) stick to these varieties since their growth spring and then expect delicate ramification.
Zone 7 0 to 10°F (-18 to -12°C) habit is more suited to bonsai cultivation. Transplanting/Soil Transplant every two to
Zone 8 10 to 20°F (-12 to -7°C) Many cultivars are selected for a specific three years for the majority of trees, yearly
Zone 9 20 to 30°F (-7 to -1°C) growth habit, such as weeping or cascading— for very vigorous trees. Be careful to root
Zone 10 30 to 40°F (-1 to 4°C) do not try to change that. When using prune to ensure balanced growth in the roots.
Zone 11 40 to 50°F (4 to 10°C) cultivars not named here, look for small leaf Strong roots must be pruned back. In terms of
Zone 12 50 to 60°F (10 to 15°C) and node size in order to create a compact soil, the objective is to be moisture-retentive
Zone 13 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C) bonsai shape. Maples can be defoliated to for summer, but free draining for winter:
increase ramification and reduce leaf size, but maples do not like to sit in too much water but
this depends on the vigor of the species as must not be allowed to dry out. A mix of two
well as the individual tree, the time of year, parts small-particle akadama with one part
and growing conditions. pumice and one part lava is a good start.
Hardiness/Location Some varieties are more Ensure all dust is removed by sifting from soil.
frost tolerant than others; in general maples Pests/Diseases Maples are relatively pest and