This dwarf Juniper from Japan is the most popular bonsai in the U.S. When we think of a traditional bonsai and what it should look like we think of a Juniper Procumbens Nana. They are very hardy, long-lived, and tolerate many adverse conditions. Trained in the traditional style, this Juniper Procumbens is popularly known as the Karate Kid tree. It is potted in a 7 inch ceramic rectangle container as shown.
Bonsai Tree Statistics:
Bonsai Name: Juniper Karate Kid Tree
Species: Juniper Procumbens Nana
Age: 9 years old
Height: 10 inches
Area: Best If Kept Indoors
Bonsai Tree History:
Considered a very hardy conifer, the Juniper is a non-flowering tree that makes a great choice for bonsai because of it is so easy to prune and train. With rapid growth patterns, you would typically see long, flowing branches that can be trained in just about any bonsai style with the exception of the broom style.
Most often, the JuniperĘs branches respond exceptionally well to wiring and reshaping. Just keep in mind that because some species are stiff, trying to shape into something other than its natural form can be challenging, although not impossible.
The advantage to using the Juniper for bonsai is that because of the degree of hardiness, this tree can remain indoors or outdoors, even in the winter months although it should not be subjected to temperatures below 59 degrees. One of the most important aspects of growing the Juniper outdoors is that the rootball, along with newly wired or trained trees should be carefully protected from frost.
Proper Care:
During the growth season, should you notice any new buds, these would need to be pinched back. For pruning, this should be performed only in the springtime or early fall, never during the hot summer months. However, maintenance pruning is acceptable all season long. Then on a regular basis, young shoots should be pinched off. The Juniper also needs to be fertilized in early spring, using good quality fertilizer. |
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