Pinus species/Pine Species Guide
Pines are a classic bonsai species, however, they are not easy trees to care for or style.
Ease of Cultivation 5/10 Suitablity and Ease for Bonsai Styling 5/10
Commonly used Pinus species include; P. mugo/ Mountain Pine, P. thunbergii/Japanese Black Pine, P. sylvestris/Scots Pine, Pinus parviflora/Japanese White Pine.
Position Outdoor tree only. Give pines as much sunlight as possible during Spring, Summer and Autumn. Insufficient sunlight will result in extended needle length and dieback of shaded branches. Very hardy (to at least -10°C) in Winter.
Watering Most Pines dislike permanently wet soil though care should be taken to ensure their soil never dries out completely. It is important that a very fast-draining soil-medium is always used.
Pruning Pines have their own growth patterns that differ greatly from deciduous and common coniferous species; these growth patterns need to be understood before successful styling and pruning can be carried out.
Repotting Repot in mid Spring every two to five years,
depending on root-development. Mugo pines react much better to Summer
repotting.
Use a very free-draining soil-mix.
Propagation Sow seed of species outside in early Spring, the seed needs to be exposed to frosts to germinate. If the seed is fresh, germination can be rapid.
Pests and Diseases Aphids, sawfly larvae, and various needle cast diseases. Some 5-needle pines are susceptible to white pine needle rust.
For more detailed information please visit the main Bonsai4me.com website (not mobi)
Copyright © 2006 Bonsai4me and Harry Harrington.