Page 69 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

69

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea ‘Blondie’

These flowering vines prefer tropical conditions Key features
but will grow in more temperate climates if winter
∙Withstands heavy pruning. If
protection is provided, and will positively thrive in
growing bougainvillea in a hot
warmth. The showy flowers are actually bracts— climate, it is possible to prune
modified leaves—designed to attract insects to the back to a very raw state.
actual flowers, which are very small. They are very ∙Flexible young shoots soon
versatile trees and ideal bonsai specimens for become brittle branches, so
those in warmer areas. it is wise to style them when
young. Use advanced bending
techniques to style older trees.

Textured trunk improves
with age and exposure
to sunlight

Looking closer
Top: Tiny, tubular flowers are
surrounded by petal-like bracts.
Center: Evergreen foliage may
Deep pot helps balance sometimes conceal thorny stems.
the cascading nature of Below: The gnarled silver trunk
tree; a slightly smaller
pot could be used to creates drama and interest at
introduce more drama the top of the cascade.

Lower trunk movement
adds visual weight to
the base, balancing the
cascading movement
36in / 90cm tall
Courtesy of Mangala Rao