Cornus/ Dogwood Bonsai
Dogwoods are primarily grown as bonsai for their flowers in Summer and their rich Autumnal foliage colour.
Outdoor Trees
These species must be kept outside so that they experience both the heat of summer, and importantly, the cold in Winter.
Chamaecyparis/ False Cypress Bonsai
Chamaecyparis is a popular genus for bonsai however it is difficult to maintain it’s appearance and is difficult to style well.
Cercis/ Judas Tree Bonsai
Spreading deciduous tree with inversely heart-shaped, glaucous, blue green leaves to 10cm. Bears clusters of 3-6 magenta, lilac to white flowers in Spring before or during leaf-break.
Cedrus/ Cedar Bonsai
A difficult species that needs to be handled carefully. However, it can make great bonsai!
Carpinus/ Hornbeam Bonsai
Although slow starters, Hornbeam become very vigorous growers. Hornbeams prefer long growing seasons with hot summers however their leaves burn if not given some protection from the sun at the height of summer.
Carmona/Fukien Tea Bonsai
In temperate regions the Fukien Tea is not hardy and are considered indoor trees for much of the year. Though easily available at bonsai outlets, the Fukien Tea can be difficult to look after, particularly for beginners.
Buxus species/ Box or Boxwood bonsai
Boxwood have many good characteristics that are useful for bonsai. Dark green leaves that reduce well, naturally short internodes and they can take hard pruning that prompts prolific back budding.
Bougainvillea glabra/ Bougainvillea
A strong-growing, evergreen climber with glossy, elliptic mid-deep green leaves. Favoured for white to magenta flowers borne on the ends of new growth from Summer to Autumn in the UK. Frost tender.
Acer palmatum varieties/Japanese Maples
Acer palmatum are deciduous small trees and shrubs, with opposing odd-numbered (anything from 5-11) pointed leaves, native to Japan, China and Korea. There are at present hundreds of varieties in cultivation. They are very popular for use as bonsai due to their ready ability to respond to most bonsai techniques, beautiful foliage and graceful branch structure.
