Page 37 - Ebook bonsai for beginner

Olive (Olea europea), pomegranate (Punica granatum), fuchsia, Chinese

elm (Ulmus parvifolia), mulberry (Morus), corkbark oak (Quercus suber),
Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinensis) are well suited. The Japanese (Acer
palmatum) and trident maples (Acer buergerianum) can grow well if the
winters are cool enough for them to go into winter dormancy. Asian
hackberry (Celtis sinensis), Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii), bald
cypress (Taxodium distichum) and some mediterranean juniper species
can also thrive in a subtropical and mediterranean climate. Cherries

(Prunus), apples (Malus) and other species that need a cooler climate will
most likely not grow well.

Regions with a temperate climate are good for many species, especially
most of the nice imported Japanese species can be grown successfully.
Subtropical and Mediterranean trees can also be chosen if they can be
protected from frost, in a greenhouse for example.

In a maritime climate with moist summers you might need very well-
draining soil and some species which need full sunlight might not be
perfectly happy.

In a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters you will have
to provide semi-shade in the summer and good protection against frost if
you don’t want to be limited to a few very hardy native tree species.

Outdoor Bonsai tree care

Caring for an outdoor Bonsai tree is different from that of normal potted
plants. The main reason is that Bonsai trees are planted in small pots

and therefore have limited storage for nutrients and water. More
important is that Bonsai trees from temperate climates need their period
of winter dormancy. Do note that most species need some protection
from frost and strong winds during that time.

Specific care of outdoor Bonsai species

Light

Most outdoor Bonsai trees need sunlight for at least a few hours a day.
Their internodes and leaves will grow too large otherwise and they would
get prone to pests and diseases. Most conifers should be placed in full
sun for healthy growth.