Page 202 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

202 Plant care directory

Betula
(cluster of 8 buds) with a different growth Acer palmatum ‘Shishi-gashira’ An
habit. It tends to send out multiple branches ideal species for shohin cultivation, ‘Shishi- BIRCH
from one node with multiple branches from gashira’ responds well to air layering and has This deciduous tree is found all across Eurasia
the trunk growing out to support a small a very compact growth habit with tiny leaves and Northern America. It is suitable for bonsai
number of secondary branches. It is difficult that tend to curl naturally. It is slow growing, but suffers from unexpected branch dieback,
to ramify in the same way as other A. but vigorous—plants will thicken over time. and the tendency to favor sucker branches
palmatum cultivars and so adapt techniques The branches and trunk tend to suffer from a over older more ramified branches—which
accordingly. Buds break very early, often in lack of taper. It is tolerant of heat and will give may account for its undeservedly bad
January, so winter protection is an absolute deep orange fall color. reputation in bonsai circles. Styling should
must to ensure that new foliage does not get account for this and not become dependent
damaged by frost. New foliage is a red-lined on one individual branch. It is appreciated for
light yellow-green that is very attractive. Berberis the silvery bark that comes from years of
BARBERRY cultivation in a pot placed in direct sunlight.
Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ Katsura This genus of evergreen and deciduous shrubs It is a very vigorous grower and will thicken
maple This is not strictly a dwarf form, but has around 500 species. It is commonly used rapidly if planted in the ground.
a very small-leaf cultivar with a compact in Japan for shohin trees, and there are a Hardiness/Location Provide full sun and
branching structure that makes it suitable for number of larger trees from garden material rotate the tree to ensure even growth. The
bonsai, although it is not classically used in in the west. A very vigorous grower, berberis bark will become silver when exposed to
Japan. It tends to produce multiple branches tends to sprout all over old wood and direct sunlight. It is very hardy (zones 3–7),
from the trunk rather than secondary withstands drastic pruning, but it is almost but protect pot and roots from severe cold
branches from one main branch. The foliage impossible to bend the thick, thorny branches, (23ºF/-5ºC). It may suffer branch dieback in
is a vibrant yellow-orange color. so it is essential to set the structure early on. extreme cold.
Once styled, an almost topiary approach to Watering Do not allow it to dry out from
Acer palmatum ‘Kiyohime’ This dwarf pruning can be used to keep the tree in shape. spring to leaf drop in the fall. Ease off in
yatsubusa cultivar has a horizontal habit and Hardiness/Location Frost hardy, zones 4–9, winter but do not allow it to become dry.
rarely sends up a leader. Lower branches tend but protect the pot and roots from severe cold Fertilizing This is a vigorous grower so
to be more vigorous than the apex, so take (23ºF/-5°C). It is happy in full sun or shade. restrict fertilizer in spring. Wait until growth
care to maintain apical vigor through regular Watering Berberis has moderate drought has stopped in late spring before feeding to
transplanting. They exhibit the same growth resistance, so take care over summer. build up its strength.
habit as other dwarf cultivars of producing Evergreen varieties require more water over Transplanting/Soil Wait until the tree is at the
multiple thin branches from the trunk, so lend winter than deciduous species. point of bud break before transplanting. Once
themselves to a leaf-covered style. Often Fertilizing Throughout the growing season. it is established, do not do any severe root
styled as a broom, but they are best suited Transplanting/Soil Roots are fibrous and will pruning or it may suffer branch loss. Younger
to semi-cascade. With great effort, a more soon fill the pot, so transplanting every two trees can be transplanted every other
classical branch structure can be achieved. years is recommended. Use a basic smaller- year; leave mature trees slightly longer.
particle soil mix. Use a basic deciduous soil mix.
Acer palmatum ‘Kotohime’ Another Pests/Diseases Fungal problems such as Pests/Diseases Aphids, leaf spot, and rust
dwarf yatsubusa cultivar that grows in a powdery mildew, leaf spots, and Anthracnose may be issues with weaker trees.
similar way to the others—although with may be a problem for weaker trees or in Pruning/Styling Prune new growth on
‘Kotohime’ it is possible to develop more an infected area, but berberis are generally the external stronger areas back to two
obvious branches, and several impressive problem free. or three leaves once growth has finished.
specimens exist with classical bonsai Pruning/Styling Prune to shape throughout Do not touch the internal weaker branches.
branching structure. Secondary branching the growing season. Remove sucker shoots Defoliation is possible on the external
tends to be very dense. It can be used to and unwanted branches from the trunk. stronger branches to allow sunlight inside.
create more upright styles. Responds well Wire young shoots and allow them to extend When making hardwood cuts, always ensure
to air layering. to develop thickness before cutting back. that you cut back to a strong, viable bud.
Propagation Seed, cuttings, or air layering. Prune to leave a small stub above the bud
Acer palmatum ‘Seigen’ Technically to reduce the risk of dieback. Large pruning
a dwarf variety, this red-leaf cultivar Berberis darwinii A vigorous evergreen scars and trunk chops inevitably lead to
grows in a very similar way to the standard shrub originally from South America. It dieback. Wire and style in a deciduous
A. palmatum. Spring foliage is early and bright flowers in spring, producing dense racemes fashion with pendulous branches.
red; it is also very susceptible to wind and of yellow-orange blossoms that will then Branches are flexible when young
frost damage, so it is best brought out of set purple-black fruit. but they thicken and lignify quickly.
winter protection late and with care. It tends Propagation Sow seeds in fall or take
to be slightly weaker than A. palmatum, so be Berberis thunbergii Japanese softwood cuttings in spring. Seeds will
conservative with techniques. barberry This is a dense deciduous shrub be of great genetic variance.
that has pale yellow flowers in mid-spring.
Acer palmatum ‘Sharp’s Pygmy’ A Red fruit matures in fall, and stays on the tree Betula nana Dwarf birch This deciduous
popular ornamental maple in North America. throughout the winter months. It is also shrub has reddish copper bark. It is very
It has a very natural dwarf habit similar to appreciated for its fall colors. Japanese cold hardy and has low tolerance to shade.
‘Kotohime’ and ‘Shishi-gashira’. The leaves are barberry is a classical shohin species, The small serrated-edged leaves turn golden
thicker, so tolerate heat better. but it is also suitable for larger trees. in the fall.