Sageretias
are tender shrubs native to Asia and warmer areas of North America.
Extensively grown in China for use as bonsai, Sageretias are evergreen
in milder climates but become deciduous in temperate zones when
exposed to the cold of winter. Sageretias will survive temperatures
just below freezing but it is highly recommended to keep them
in conditions that rarely drop below around 10°C to keep them
in continual growth. For most parts of Europe and North America
this means growing Sageretias indoors from around September to
May.
Sageretias have symmetrically arranged shiny, oval mid-green leaves
to 1.5cm long, young growth is reddish in colour before it matures.
The bark quickly becomes scaly and is a dark-brown in colour.
In Summer tiny flowers appear in the leaf axils of new shoots
and produce large clusters of white followed by small blue berries.
Sageretias are slow to form thick trunks and have very fine formative
growth; thick-trunked specimens tend to be imported from China
where they are field grown.
BONSAI CULTIVATION NOTES
POSITION Good light but out of full sun. Grow outdoors
when night-time temperatures will not drop below 5-6°C (between
May and September in Northern Europe). Indoors, Sageretias need
a position that is reasonably humid so a humidity/gravel tray
is necessary and should be allowed to cool at night, in for instance
an unheated room. Sageretia dislike permanent heat throughout
the day as much as they dislike very cold temperatures. Position
in good light but do not expose to direct afternoon sunlight when
behind glass to avoid scorching.
FEEDING Every two weeks in Summer, monthly in Winter when
in active growth.
REPOTTING Every two years in Spring, use a basic soil mix.
PRUNING Trim to shape throughout the growing season. Sageretia
back bud very easily and produce very dense new growth so can
be shaped by selective pruning and wiring can be avoided. Allow
young plants to extend 10-15cm before pruning back to shape to
allow the trunk to thicken. Mature, thick-trunked specimens can
be pruned earlier.
PROPAGATION Softwood and hardwood cuttings root easily throughout
the growing season. Sageretia are very rarely seen for sale in
Garden Centres and only tend to be offered for sale through bonsai
retailers.
PESTS AND DISEASES Can be affected by aphids and whitefly
particularly when grown under glass. If affected by mildew, do
not lower humidity levels but increase air circulation.
STYLING Suitable for all forms and sizes.