Juniper Bonsai (Juniperus spp.) Care Guide
Overview
Junipers are evergreen conifers prized for their lacy foliage, rugged bark, and flexible branches, making them ideal for bonsai. They include popular species such as:
- Juniperus chinensis (Chinese Juniper) – adaptable, vigorous, and suitable for beginners.
- Juniperus procumbens (Japanese Garden Juniper) – slow-growing, compact, ideal for rock or cascade styles.
- Juniperus sabina (Savin Juniper) – hardy, aromatic, and fast-growing with dense foliage.
Junipers respond well to pruning, wiring, and shaping, making them excellent for formal, informal, literati, or cascade bonsai styles.
Location
Juniper bonsai thrive in full sun with excellent air circulation.
- Outdoors: Preferred, year-round, to maintain dense foliage, strong growth, and healthy root systems.
- Indoors: Only suitable temporarily; long-term indoor placement causes weak growth and pale foliage.
- Temperature: Hardy species, tolerating a wide range of temperatures, but protect young trees from severe frost or extreme heat.