Juniper bonsai trees

One of the most popular bonsai trees is the juniper.  The juniper tree is a hardy and draught tolerant plant that makes it a very suitable candidate for the bonsai enthusiast.  If you had to choose a cheap bonsai tree to begin with, a juniper might be a good choice.  Junipers are readily available at any plant nursery and are among the easiest yet most attractive bonsai to cultivate.

There are many different varieties of juniper.  Although thought of as a relatively cheap outdoor plant, the Chinese and Japanese species are highly sought after and can be quite expensive.  The Chinese juniper is probably the most widely recognized among hobbyist.  This juniper is known in Japan as the shimpaku or shinpaku.  They come in a variety of colors and textures, from the deep dark green fine foliage of the Itoigawa, to the coarser lighter coloring of the Kisoo and Tohoku.  Among the most spectacular is the needle juniper. The Kaizuka and miniature Yatsabusa produce thick tree trunks and dark coarse tree bark.  They make some of the best candidates for driftwood bonsai.

Western junipers also make fine bonsai.  A very popular and fast grower is the San Jose.  This California juniper features a thick knarly trunk and rivals the Kaizuka for its ability to produce a high quality driftwood effect.  Most local plant nurseries stock western varieties of juniper and they are becoming an ever increasingly popular specimen for bonsai gardeners.

Junipers are an exceptionally hardy tree species.  They require less water than most deciduous trees and do well in cold climates.   Most juniper bonsai trees should be placed in full sun areas with good air circulation, the exception being the Chinese juniper which may loose some of its deep green color and is best placed in partial shade.  Junipers that do not get proper air circulation are prone to mildew, rust and scale. 

Training can be done at any time of year.  The most important factor in wiring is be aware that these plants can grow at remarkable rates and in no time the wire can cut into the bark.  Trimming and shaping are best done by pinching because cutting will leave the foliage brown.  When cutting is necessary, it should be done at the base of the woody shots to avoid the brown discoloration.  Shaping is an almost continuous task on junipers in order to maintain a tight compact display. 

Of all bonsai, juniper are probably the most populous.  There are so many different types of trees within the juniper family and each has a unique quality that makes it a favored specimen for the bonsai gardener.