Saint Jonny
Full Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2011 10:08 am
Location: Harpenden, UK

Coniferous Bonsai

So I'd quite like a coniferous Bonsai, cos I like the look of them. I'm also wondering about going Shohin on it. I'm also still very new to Bonsai. I keep seeing Junipers recommended as appropriate beginner coniferous Bonsai. I've had a look on ebay and come across these:

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1-DWARF-BLUE-CONIFER-JUNIPER-BLUE-STAR-GARDEN-PLANT-/380337175005?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item588ddcb9dd#ht_1370wt_754

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Juniperus-horizontalis-Lime-Glow-Conifer-7cm-Pot-/130520796037?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item1e63a54b85#ht_1252wt_698

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CONIFERS-JUNIPERUS-COMMUNIS-GOLDEN-SHOWERS-/200601651153?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item2eb4ca47d1#ht_3529wt_754

Would either of these options work OK? Otherwise, any other advice on what to look out for?

Much obliged!

kdodds
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1436
Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:07 pm
Location: Airmont, NY Zone 6/7

J. procumbens 'nana' and J. 'prostrata' are probably the two most popular beginners trees, but don't discout the Cypress and False Cypress, also easier. If you're going with a Shohin, I'd definitely shy away from pine. They're very difficult to manage, for beginners, at such a small size. Not that they're difficult, they're not really, but getting them to look like something you want to see is.

Saint Jonny
Full Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2011 10:08 am
Location: Harpenden, UK

Thanks. Would you recommend that before getting into Shohin I should begin to master normal size Bonsai? I'll look out for Cypresses too then. Any particular type of Cypress? What about the Japanese Black Pine? I've read that they're quite easy to handle.

Justin088
Cool Member
Posts: 86
Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2011 7:04 pm
Location: Coppell, TX

The boulevard cypress Is really cool. Heres a link to some really cool Hinoki cypresses on ebay. I've ordered from them and they always deliver.

https://stores.ebay.com/Little-Bonsai-Garden/_I.html?_fsub=1939255010

kdodds
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1436
Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:07 pm
Location: Airmont, NY Zone 6/7

No, Shohin is really a perfect starting point, just not with a Pine. Junipers, Cypresses, False Cypresses, are all suitable for beginner Shohin sized trees. And, do yourself a favor, stop by your local nursery or home store. Check out the "landscape" evergreens that are low growing and intended as "ground cover". These are the same species that are used for beginner's bonsai, only MUCH cheaper. Where you'd spend upwards of $30 for even a mallsai, you can start one of these "shrubs" usually for under $10, and still get a nice clay pot for it for around $10, and mix your own soil (crushed lava or pumice, pine bark, and maybe a little compost). The REAL advantage here, however, is that you'll get to pick the nicest tree from dozens and dozens and they'll often have more potential as "true bonsai" than the standard mall-style trees.

Saint Jonny
Full Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2011 10:08 am
Location: Harpenden, UK

Thanks again KDodds! I'd never buy a "Mallsai" as you call it (like that name though we don't really have Malls in the UK!) I was bought a Bonsai from IKEA once and it was rubbish! Also, I don't really want to buy an already formed Bonsai as shaping the tree myself seems like the best part of the experience and enjoyment with Bonsai to me.

Thanks for the recommendation Justin008!



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