Page 59 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

59

Chinese elm

Ulmus parvifolia

Readily available from garden centers and other Key features
outlets, this is the bonsai that many make their first
∙Tolerant of a wide range of
buy. It is sometimes considered somewhat ordinary,
climates, this elm can even
but if you are patient and plan carefully, you can withstand drought.
grow it into a stunning specimen, with very fine,
∙If grown indoors, give plenty of
well-ramified branches and attractively aged bark.
sun but keep away from direct
heat, especially radiators.
Use defoliation to make ∙Regular, directional pruning—
Grow this very tough the naturally small “clip and grow”—encourages
deciduous bonsai leaves even smaller growth in the desired direction.
indoors or out

Cork bark adds
character and
will develop on
some cultivars

Looking closer
Above: You can prune the roots
back fairly hard initially to create
a fine root system. After that,
aim to prune the root growth to
create a well-rounded nebari.
Below: Small leaves mean small,
delicate branches. Give them
warm conditions and they will
grow almost all year round.

The oval pot
complements the
elm’s well-rounded
branching
structure

9in / 22cm tall
Courtesy of John
Brocklehurst