Page 75 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

75

Flowering quince

Chaenomeles japonica
Key features
Normally in bloom from late winter to early ∙Fertilize, give plenty
spring, in some climates Japanese flowering quinces of water, and provide
a nutrient- and moisture-
manage to produce their red, orangey-red, or white
retentive soil to get the
blooms (depending on the variety) almost all year best results.
round. In fact, this quince is known in Japanese as
∙Add a little lava rock
Chojubai, which translates as “long-living plum.” But when you transplant
the flowering quince usually comes into its own in to improve aeration.
winter, when it presents a very striking image. This
∙Always transplant in fall
is the ideal choice if you are looking for a small- to to reduce the risk of
medium-sized flowering tree with winter interest. crown gall infection.
∙The bark turns flaky with
Defoliation encourages age but the trunk thickens
branching, but do not slowly, so you will need to
defoliate more than
once a year be patient with it.

10in / 25cm tall
Courtesy of John
Brocklehurst

Looking closer
Top: The quince’s small leaves
make it ideal for growing as
a miniature shohin tree.
Center: Remove the flowers
as soon as they start to fade
or they will form fruit and
use all the plant’s energy.
Below: Remove suckers from the
base to keep the root ball neat.
Beware of
sharp little
thorns

Wire the main branches into
shape as soon as the leaves
have hardened off
Poor health and excessive or strong
fertilizer will make the leaves drop