Page 212 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

212 Plant care directory

coniferous styles and all sizes, but consider Pests/Diseases Needle cast and woolly aphids Propagation Seed; some varieties such as
the natural growth habits and needle are the biggest concern. ‘Zui-sho’ will strike cuttings.
characteristics when choosing a style. Pruning/Styling As white pine (P. parviflora).
Transplanting/Soil Disturb as little as possible Propagation Seed. Pinus ponderosa Native to western North
while maintaining a healthy root system in America, this has large, fleshy needles that
terms of air and moisture penetration. Try Pinus parviflora Japanese five needle will reduce in size with cultivation, and very
to maintain the root ball when transplanting, pine, Japanese white pine This variety flexible limbs. Striking craggy bark and
and remove the top surface and outer soil. A generally has smaller needles, creating hard deadwood can be seen on collected
well-aerated, fast-draining conifer mix is ideal. a softer, more elegant and feminine feel. specimens. Hardy, zones 3–7, but protect it
Adding kiryu to the soil seems to promote Needles are formed in bundles of five. They from a hard, long freeze. Keep in full sun and
high levels of mycorrhizae. will elongate with excessive fertilizing and a well-ventilated position. Do not candle cut.
watering. Imported trees are often grafted Cultivate as for P. mugo.
Pinus contorta Lodgepole pine Very onto black pine rootstock to improve vigor
cold tolerant species, they dislike year-round and growth but do not be afraid of them on Pinus sylvestris Scots pine Found across
heat. Will back bud profusely, given healthy their own roots. They will struggle in extreme Europe and Asia, in many respects this pine is
conditions. Do not candle cut. Cultivate as for heat or a very wet environment. Moisture and perfect for bonsai cultivation. Very vigorous,
P. sylvestris. oxygen levels in soil is key. They are reluctant resilient, and tolerant, it sends out a profusion
to back bud unless very healthy, and will show of buds, will ramify well, and the needle size
Pinus densiflora Japanese red pine signs of chlorosis or soil toxicity quite early. will reduce with cultivation. It is an ideal
Similar to black pine (P. thunbergii), but treat A number of dwarf yatsubusa cultivars and species to start with, and great results can be
feminine red pines more conservatively, foliage types exist. Each has its idiosyncrasies. achieved. A number of cultivars exist; some
particularly when styling. Red pines are Hardiness/Location Hardy, zones 4–7. Protect dwarf cultivars such as ‘Beuvronensis’ make
more brittle, especially with age, so bend the tree from excessive moisture, especially for very dense foliage pads. A single flush of
with great care. Use a well-aerated soil mix; over winter. It likes clean air, and will struggle growth is made each year, so candle cutting
it prefers to be slightly dry, but do not allow in polluted environments. Full sun is best. is not advised. It tolerates hard pruning and
the soil to dry out completely. Apply a Watering Overwatering is the biggest issue, sends out adventitious buds when the
medium amount of fertilizer throughout the but do not allow the pot to dry out. Ensure terminal shoot is removed. It naturally forms
growing season unless candle cutting. a correct balance between moisture and a literati-type image. The biggest challenge
oxygen throughout the year. is getting branches to set in position—wire
Pinus mugo Mugo, mountain pine Fertilizing If your aim is compact growth and quickly bites into the branches and may need
This is the European pine, which is seen short needles, fertilize very little until the to be removed after only a few months.
in garden centers. Cultivars often exhibit needles have fully extended and hardened Hardiness/Location Hardy, zones 3–8. Protect
different growth habits and tend to be off. Fertilize heavily after this, during late it from a hard, long freeze but it is tolerant of
weaker or less suited to bonsai cultivation. summer and fall. Use a kelp extract liquid to a wide range of climates. Provide full sun and
Collected specimens are available across add micronutrients. a well-ventilated position.
Europe and make very good trees. This Transplanting/Soil As Pinus, above. Watering Similar to black pine (P. thunbergii).
is a flexible pine that buds profusely, Pests/Diseases Woolly aphids (adelgids) are Well-aerated soil mix is essential.
and given the correct care, will create a big problem: look for white fur on the Fertilizing Similar to white pine (P. parviflora).
adventitious buds. Do not needle pluck underside of branch tips. Spray with a Transplanting/Soil Spring or fall. Tolerant of
too much; it tends to send out new buds systemic or contact killer. They will remain a wide soil pH level but the best results come
at the base of needles. Thin out needles after they are dead, so clean and mark one or from a standard coniferous pine mix.
to create definition between bud clusters two branches to see if they return. Yellowing Pests/Diseases Needle cast and woolly aphids
and a neat appearance, but leave older foliage is usually a sign of root or soil issues. are the biggest concern.
needles where possible. Mugo has a tendency Pruning/Styling Do not candle cut. If growth Pruning/Styling Similar to white and mugo
to create five or more buds at one spot, is long in spring, pinch back or snap the tips pines. Young shoots can extend greatly; prune
take care to thin out to two well-placed of strong candles to leave some of the new, them back to shape and be conscientious
and evenly-sized buds. Do not candle cut. very small, needlelike growths on the stem. about bud reduction and building up compact
Pinch as for P. parviflora in spring, and Balance the lengths of the candles by allowing ramification by pruning vigorous growth
cut back strong shoots in fall to promote weaker ones to elongate. Restricting terminal off in favor of weaker internal buds. Wire
adventitious budding. Increased ramification growth is equally important. Most varieties secondary shoots into shape; once it has
means reduced needle length. send out three shoots or buds—two weaker become well ramified, shape with clip and
Hardiness/Location Hardy, zones 3–10. sideshoots/buds, and a stronger central one. grow techniques, combined with occasional
Protect the tree from a hard, long freeze but If the sideshoots are viable, then in most corrective wiring.
it tolerates a wide range of climates. Give full circumstances remove the central shoot/bud. Propagation Seed.
sun and a well-ventilated location. This should be done both in fall, when the
Watering Similar to black pine (P. thunbergii). tree is setting buds, and also in spring or Pinus thunbergii Japanese black pine
Well-aerated soil is essential. summer, when the buds have opened and Masculine black pines have long, thick, dark
Fertilizing Similar to white pine (P. parviflora). developed into shoots. Always look to assist green needles and craggy bark.
Transplanting/Soil Better results seem to the internal branches. They can be wired Hardiness/Location Hardy, zones 5–10.
occur with fall transplanting in late August or when the foliage is hard, but be careful of Provide winter protection for the pots and
early September. Use standard pine mix. twisting the branches. Use any coniferous delicate branches. It will tolerate frost but not
style, any size. prolonged freezing, and thrives in full sun.