Sunday, April 19, 2009

Are there certain types of Bonsai trees that flower and how do you promote this response?

I have a small Bonsai tree that I%26#039;m cultavating and if memory serves me correctly some produce miniature rose like flowers.If one could elaborate please do so.
Are there certain types of Bonsai trees that flower and how do you promote this response?
Yes. Here is a site to check out.





http://www.rockymtnbonsai.org/html/flowe...





Below is copied directly for the above link.





Plant Species Suitable For Flowering/Fruiting Bonsai


By Jim Robinson (7/16/91)





Any tree or shrub can be grown and styled as bonsai. Flowering perennials- -both shrubs and trees--are suitable for bonsai even chrysanthemums. Plants with small flowers are generally preferable to those with large flowers, but as with most rules, some large flowered plants such as wisteria make great bonsai.





The plants below have been successfully grown or could be successfully grow as flowering and, sometimes fruiting, bonsai.





Common Name Scientific Name


Azaleas Rhododendron sp.


Kurume Rhododendron obtusum ssp.


Satsuki Rhododendron indicum ssp.


Barberry Berberis sp.


Crepe Myrtle Lagerstromis indica


Firethorn Pvracantha sp.


Flowering Cherry Prunus sp.v


Flowering Quince Chaenomeles


Chinese Quince Cydonia sinensis


Fuchsia Fuchsia magellanica


Gooseberry Ribes sp.


Japanese Apricot Prunus mume


Dwarf Pomegranate Punica granatum


Chinquefoil (Potentilla) Potentilla floribunda*


Rockspray Cotoneaster sp.


Snow Rose Serissa foetida


Wild Plum Prunus americana


Winterberry Ilex sp.


Wisteria (Japanese) Wisteria floribunda


*(Carter, Trees and Shrubs of Colorado classifies Potentilla as Pentaphvlloides





Horticulture for Flowering and Fruiting Bonsai





Each species of flowering plants used as bonsai have specific characteristics that require attention. For example, pruning, especially the time for pruning and how to prune is critical for the development of flowers and, sometimes, of fruit. The suggestions given here are general for flowering plants and could need modification for any particular plant.





FERTILIZATION





1. Chemicals. Timing and the appropriate relations of the three major chemicals in fertilizers are both critical.





Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are the three main ingredients in fertilizers.


The percentage of N, P, and K is given on the label of fertilizers, always in the N-P-K order.


All trace elements, such as iron, manganese, and zinc are Important for the health of all plants.


Young plants can use a balanced fertilization for good growth, for example: 20-20-20, 15-30-15 or even 7-40-6 can be used. It is best to alternate these fertilizers for two reasons. Usually different fertilizers have different carriers and trace elements. By alternating brands and types you can reduce the accumulations of undesirable carrier materials and be better assured that your plants are getting the needed trace elements. On my azaleas I use Peters Acid Plant Food, 21-7-7; cottonseed meal, bone meal and blood meal in the ratio of 2: 1:1; and rape seed cake after blooming and until fall when I switch to a 5-30- 15 fertilizer. In the winter I irrigate with Epson Salts-1 tablespoon to the gallon-once a month.


Organics such as fish emulsion, cottonseed meal, bone meal and blood meal are also very useful in a fertilization schedule. They generally breakdown slowly and are not as high in N, P, and K as the inorganic fertilizers.


Developed bonsai can use lower nitrogen fertilization, e.g., 2-10- 10 in early spring as the buds start to swell.


2. Timing


Fertilize after blooming and start about a month after root pruning. Higher nitrogen is useful in the development of young plants whereas high phosphorous fertilizers are essential for bud formation and flowering. Too much nitrogen contributes to the development of leaf buds rather than flower buds. In general, once buds have become formed, fertilization can cease until after blooms have faded, unless fruit is desired. With azaleas I have found that a rape seed cake is useful over the winter in a cold greenhouse In maintaining good color and has not affected buds or flowers.


Fall feeding is essential for good bud formation.








SOILS


Fast draining moisture retentive soil seems effective for flowing plants. The soil should be from slightly to moderately acid for best absorption of N,P, and K and the trace elements. Most flowering plants do best in a pH of 6.5-7.5, but azaleas need a lower pH, around 5.5. Acidity can be maintained by using leaf mold, bark or peat moss in the mix. I do not recommend peat moss in Colorado, but prefer to acidify with acid plant food, Epson Salts and iron sulfate. I prefer to use lava rock, Terra Green, decomposed granite and bark in my mixes, I rarely use more than about 30% bark now, where earlier I used up to 50 % bark.





LOCATION


Flowering bonsai require full sun for producing the best flowers, with the exception of some azaleas. Sunlight is especially needed for setting flower buds in the fall. Prevent freezing of buds in the spring after they have begun to swell.





WATERING


Each plants watering needs must be learned because of the many variables that affect the need for water. In general, do not sprinkle flowers as many are spotted by this application. Protect from rain and wind to avoid spotting or bruising. Flowers tend to wilt before the leaves.





Reference


Wood, Terry. 1991 Cultivating flowering and fruiting Bonsai. Bonsai Clubs International XXX, No. 1, January/February.





Good Luck.
Reply:[produce miniature rose like flowers.]





Probably a Snow Rose Serissa


beautiful but difficult


http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/seriss...
Reply:Azalea Bonsai%26#039; are not too difficult and they have flowers - here are a few photos -http://www.bonsai-garden.com/azalea-bons...
Reply:I could%26#039;nt find anything on a bonsai tree producing its own flowers. Maybe you are thinking of Maple bonzai tree.
Reply:cerissa is the one i%26#039;ve seen the most of.it has small white flowersaffiliate reviews

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