Page 214 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

214 Plant care directory

Quercus
Prunus serrulata Flowering cherry Care must be taken when removing large
Cherry blossoms are an iconic Japanese image. branches because dieback is a big problem. OAK
Many cherry bonsai are cultivated, but most Hardiness/Location Frost tender, zones 7–10. This is a very distinctive and powerful
are short lived since they are susceptible to Protect it from frost and low temperatures. deciduous genus, which has around 600
fungal and bacterial problems. Look for Full sun in summer is best. species. Many are suitable for bonsai, others
weeping varieties and a mass of branches Watering Keep pomegranate well watered, less so. It can be difficult to reduce leaf size
to appreciate the beautiful spring flowers. especially when flowering or setting fruit. with some species. Style as you would
It should be moist but not wet in winter. deciduous trees. Deadwood features such
Prunus spinosa Blackthorn, sloe This Fertilizing Apply throughout the growing as stag’s horns are possible. Some more
is the best native prunus in the UK, and an season except during and after flowering. vigorous varieties can be defoliated.
ideal species for bonsai full of character. Once fruit has set, increase fertilizing. Hardiness/Location Frost hardy, zones 5–10,
Branches have small spikes, and the tree will Transplanting/Soil Later in spring once the depending on the species. Protect from heavy
set fruit if the flowers are left. Defoliation is temperature has risen and buds are beginning freezing. Full sun and a well-ventilated
possible but take care not to weaken the tree. to swell and move. Carry out every two to location in summer is best.
Selective pruning is the best route to success. three years, or as necessary. Avoid major Watering Keep moist throughout the year,
root pruning if possible. Use a moisture- but not wet.
Prunus tomentosa Nanking cherry and nutrient-retentive soil. Fertilizing For species where leaf size is
This is hardy and drought resistant but will Pests/Diseases Aphids and scale are potential an issue, wait until the leaves have fully
thrive if well watered and protected in winter. problems. hardened before fertilizing. For others, apply
Pruning/Styling If you are looking to maintain fertilizer lightly throughout the year unless
structure, allow new growth to extend to six rapid development is required. Branches can
Pseudocydonia sinensis
or seven leaves before pruning back to two. become coarse, so do not push too hard.
CHINESE QUINCE To promote flowering, allow new growth to Transplanting/Soil Every two to three years
This deciduous tree belongs to the rose family. extend from summer until it sets flowers. for younger trees; more mature specimens will
It has characteristic flaky bark, pink flowers Prune back branches in fall after leaf drop. benefit from longer between transplanting,
in spring, and may produce large yellow fruit Young shoots are flexible but large branches reducing leaf size and node length.
if allowed. Branches take time to thicken, but are very brittle. Upright deciduous styles Pests/Diseases Powdery mildew is the biggest
will do so if the tree is vigorous. It prefers are best. concern, so ventilation is a priority. It is not
warmer climates but will tolerate frost. Propagation Seed, cuttings. fatal but is visually unattractive.
Hardiness/Location Frost hardy, zones 5–8. Pruning/Styling Strong shoots will dominate
Protect the tree from heavy frost and low if allowed to grow, so prune back vigorous
temperatures. Full sun in summer is best. Pyracantha shoots, either removing them entirely or
Watering It is a very thirsty tree, so keep it FIRETHORN cutting back to one leaf as soon as possible.
well watered throughout summer, and moist This is an ideal species for bonsai because Side and internal branches should be allowed
but not wet in winter. they are very strong, have small leaves and to extend a little more before being stopped
Fertilizing Apply fertilizer throughout the fruit, and are relatively easy to deal with. initially and then pruned back to one or two
growing season after flowering; it will thrive They are ideal for shohin-sized trees. leaves once foliage has hardened off. Internal
on heavy fertilizer. Technically an evergreen, but it will branches will suffer from lack of light, so cut
Transplanting/Soil Every two to three years drop old foliage before replacing it. external leaves in half or defoliate to allow
or as necessary. Transplant after flowering. Hardiness/Location Frost tender, zones 7–10, more light in. Wire branches loosely and
Use a moisture- and nutrient-retentive soil. although given winter protection it will grow shape. Directional pruning and bud selection
Pests/Diseases Fireblight and bacterial or elsewhere. Protect the tree once temperatures are the best ways to develop ramification.
fungal infections are the biggest concerns. fall to 41°F (5°C). Full sun in summer is best. Propagation From seed or by layering.
Pruning/Styling To maintain structure, allow Birds may eat the fruit in winter.
new growth to extend to six or seven leaves Watering Keep it well watered throughout Quercus agrifolia Coast live oak
before pruning back to two. Prune back the growing season, and moist but not wet The natural range is in California—the
branches in fall after leaf drop. Young shoots in winter. evergreen oak.
are flexible but large branches are very Fertilizing Apply regularly throughout the
brittle. Defoliation is not advised unless your growing season. Quercus cerris Turkey oak This vigorous,
plant is very vigorous, but leaf cutting to Transplanting/Soil Every two to three years fast-growing tree has downy leaves that
reduce the size by half reduces vigor at for smaller trees, slightly longer for larger provide fall color.
branch tips and allows light inside. Upright trees. A deciduous mix is suitable. Avoid
deciduous styles are best. disturbing the roots if possible. Quercus faginea Portuguese oak This
Propagation From seed, or from cuttings. Pests/Diseases Fireblight, aphids, and scale. deciduous or semievergreen is found in the
Pruning/Styling Pruning to shape with western Mediterranean Balearic Islands. It is
corrective wiring of the main branches. It hardy and tolerant of various soil conditions.
Punica granatum
grows vigorously and in all directions.
POMEGRANATE Selective pruning and stopping new growth Quercus ilex Native to southern Europe,
This is a slightly tender deciduous tree that is essential. Suits any style; often seen as a this evergreen oak will survive but not thrive
is often seen with a twisted trunk in bonsai cascade or group, and especially as shohin. in colder climates. It is a vigorous tree in
or collected tree from the Mediterranean. Propagation From cuttings or seed. warmth, and can be defoliated. It is apically
It flowers in summer followed by fruit in fall. dominant: be prepared to hold back growth.