Bonsai.ch Juniperus Itoigawa Wacholder cm

Total height: approx. 55 cm

Juniperus chinensis is an evergreen conifer. It originates from eastern Asia.

The juniper is very popular as a bonsai. It is ideal for deadwood designs (Jin and Shari).

The care

The Chinese juniper prefers a sunny outdoor location all year round. The root ball should be protected in winter at temperatures below -10 °C. At very low temperatures, its foliage can become unsightly in colour, but will turn green again in spring. It likes well-drained soil (e.g. Kiryu), pure, mixed with Akadama or the house mix. It should only be watered when the soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging at all costs. When repotting, add a handful of the old soil with mykhorrhiza (white fungus) to the new substrate. Feed with organic fertiliser from spring onwards.

Shaping

To maintain and thicken the shape of the foliage cushions, the shoots that protrude above the silhouette are plucked throughout the growing season. It is important that you pluck the green shoots with your fingertips, not with your fingernails or using scissors. Otherwise the tips of the shoots will turn brown. Only use scissors or pruning shears if the shoots need to be removed completely. The branches can be easily shaped with wire; if the bark is barky, wrap the branch with protective tape before wiring.