Posts categorised: Species

Our mume is breaking

Always a pleasure to see the first flowers of the year. It is usually our Prunus mume that breaks first, we’ve only got one so far but welcome sight of things to come.

Hoya Kerrii

This is unusual. Hoya Kerrii is classified somewhere between a succulent and a plant. From south-east Asia, they are used as houseplants for the rather obvious visual quality. They have water-holding leaves and a shallow root system. Interestingly if you purchase a single or double-leaf plant like mine you won’t be able to propagate or… Read more »

Quick guide to species for deciduous bonsai

Examples of species used as Outdoor deciduous bonsai trees in the UKYou can try to bonsai any tree species, some are easier than others and many people start with deciduous tree species when looking for a bonsai tree to keep outside in the UK. You can use native species like Oak and Elm or look at more ornamental… Read more »

Ficus as bonsai

Further to giving a few talks this year on Ficus and in particular Ficus microcarpa ‘Retusa’ (Tiger bark fig) which I have grown now for over 12 years as bonsai in the UK I thought I would share some of the information I have learnt and follow so here goes. How you keep your bonsai… Read more »

Maples …. not just for syrup

Tonights club night we were fortunate to have an evening dedicated to Maples (Acers) and a brilliant presentation by Mark Kerry providing some very informative tips and methods for getting the most out of your maples. It was then followed by a more detailed look at some of the Club members own maple bonsai with… Read more »

Unpredictable flowering

We love taking about the weather here in the UK, it is practically a national pastime. I am going to elaborate a little into bonsai, I think it is important to talk about failures, as well as successes. Hopefully we can learn from these experiences and improve. A really important part of bonsai culture is… Read more »

Ficus elastica

Ficus elastica are part of the Fig family which is extensive and very versatile for use as bonsai. There is a good article on Ma-Ke Bonsai on how to look after a Ficus elastica.

Ficus microcarpa

Ficus microcarpa is a great species for bonsai and a firm favourite for indoor use in the UK from a tropical species that copes with being cared for indoors as it needs to warmth.

Fraxinus hupehensis

Fraxinus hupehensis is a species that is not commonly used in the UK as bonsai but Fraxinus excelsior is often seen which is native to the UK. It was also interesting whilst trying to discover more information about Fraxinus hupehensis that one was sold by the well known auction house of Sotherby’s!     

Glyptostrobus pensilis

Glyptostrobus pensilis or otherwise known as the Chinese swamp cypress was a great find at the BCI Convention in China as a bonsai. It makes a stunning tree in its natural environment but also an impressive bonsai too.