Bonsai pot colour guide

In general there are a few rules when it comes to pot colour selection that are based around aesthetics in order that your bonsai trees are displayed to their advantage.

However, all bonsai pots should have good drainage with multiple holes in base of pot plus additional holes for wire hole to secure the bonsai tree into the pot.

Also check that the pots are not cracked or chipped, well constructed without dips or depressions in the base so water can drain freely.

The interior of a bonsai pot is usually unglazed with a smooth finish though and try to avoid pots with lips on the inside as these make repotting more difficult but not impossible subject to the repotting frequency you use.

Colour selection or colour matching can be done using a colour wheel like the one above, and complimentary colours are selected from opposing or opposite colours. For example a tree with red berries works well in a green pot, whilst a tree with yellow foliage works well in a blue pot.

Here is a brief guide to pot colour selection and the smaller the bonsai tree, the brighter the pot in some instances as Mame and Shohin can look good in highly ornate or brightly coloured pots.

Tree with white or light coloured bark or flowers work well in pots that are:

• Light yellow
• Green
• Dull red
• Light to dark blue
• White or very dark colours

Tree with yellow foliage, flowers, buds or bark work well in pots that are:

• Dark green
• Dark unglazed blue
• Off white

Trees with orange foliage, buds, flowers or bark work well in pots that are:

• Dark brown
• Purplish unglazed
• Green glazed or unglazed

Tree with red foliage, buds, flowers or bark work well in pots that are:

• Light blue
• Dark blue
• Green light or dark
• Dull antique white

Trees with pink features work well in pots that are:

• Blue
• Green
• White
• Off white

Trees with purple features work well in pots that are:

• Light green
• Dark green
• Light purple
• Yellowish white
• Pale brown

Trees with variegated foliage or white berry work well in pots that are:

• Black
• Dark Green

Evergreen conifers work well in pots that are:

• Brown unglazed
• Reddish unglazed
• Purplish unglazed
• Grey unglazed
• Black unglazed
• Dull white unglazed

Pines work well in pots that are:

• Dark brown
• Cinnabar
• Unglazed only
• Not green

Junipers work well in pots that are:

• Terracotta unglazed

Simon Temblett, Willow – Best In Show

Willows work well in pots that are:

• White
• Off white

Maples / Maidenhair trees for autumn colour display work well in pots that are:

• White
• Green
• Avoid red

Mame / Shohin – dependent on species work well in pots that are:

• Bright reds
• Bright yellows
• Bright blues
• Decorative ornate pots

Glazed or unglazed pots

• Unglazed containers with a matt finish or surface and are used for Conifers and Broadleaved trees
• Unglazed contained with a polished or shiny surface can be used for Deciduous or Broadleaved trees
• Glazed containers with matt surface tend to work with Deciduous trees as well as with Conifers with dark foliage or glossy foliage like Taxus
• Glazed containers with a shiny surface work for Evergreen trees, Broadleaved trees and trees with variegated, coloured or shiny leaves

Happy pot selecting!!!