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Posted by: Tui on 2009-12-27, 22:01:13
1. Cotoneaster. This is hardy and easy to grow, so ideal for beginners. There are many varieties, both deciduous and evergreen, and they come in all styles - upright, prostate and spreading. This tree has small leaves and when mature produces beautiful white flowers in the spring, and little red berries soon after. The main requirements are a little sunshine and a little shade, and protection from frost. Water every day in summer and when required in winter, taking care not to let the soil dry out. It can take a beginner's over-enthusiastic pruning. These plants are often kept in loudly colored pots of deep blue or bright green, to complement the red berries and green leaves. 2. Dwarf Pomegranate. This is a sub-tropical (Mediterranean) tree that produces really attractive orange-red trumpet shaped flowers in the spring, followed by little ornamental fruits of the same color. For best results feed it suitable fertilizer (low on nitrogen, high on potassium and phosphorous) every two weeks in the summer months. Its trunk is often twisted and gnarled in appearance - the ideal bonsai tree. It loves exposure to hot sunshine but keep it damp at all times and protect it from frost and drying winds, if necessary by keeping it in a greenhouse. It prefers a deeper pot than most bonsai. The older branches tend to be brittle, so take care when wiring into shape. 3. Azalea. The Satsuki Azalea is probably the most popular choice here. It is very hardy, and therefore easy to keep, but should be protected from fierce sunlight, severe frosts and heavy rain. Its flowers bloom in late spring and have seven petals and while they can be all the same color some species display a wide range of colors. Keep it in slightly acidic soil and feed the soil in the spring until it flowers to ensure a beautiful and healthy display. 4. Crabapple. This is very easy to grow and maintain, and produces lovely white flowers in spring, followed later on by small pomes that look like miniature apples. These ripen and display a variety of colors in the autumn. The tree's requirements are minimal. Just keep it out of fierce sunlight in summer, especially if you live in a warm climate. Give it plenty of water while it is carrying its fruit, ensure the roots are drained sufficiently, and provide good air circulation. 5. Maple (Japanese Maple or Trident Maple). Both of these maples are ideal for starting out in bonsai gardening. While they don't have much in the way of flowering, their foliage does more than make up in the fall, when it turns from green to a deep shade of red or gold. Both have broadly similar requirements for best results. Keep out of the wind, protect from fierce sunlight in summer but expose to sunlight as much as possible for the rest of the year. Repot and re-fertilize in late winter or early spring. Give them as much water as they are likely to need, as long as the soil is well drained and doesn't become waterlogged. |
