Top 22 Trees To Grow As Bonsai

As you will see from this list there are plenty of trees that can be grown as bonsai. I have always been fascinated by bonsai, but to grow them yourself requires skill and lots of patience. The examples shown below are all well established bonsai that will have taken several years to reach maturity. I came across this list on the Balcony Garden Web site.

The Best Trees For Bonsai

1. Japanese Maple

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is chosen for bonsai primarily due to its lobed leaves, color, and its adaptability to become a bonsai. Also, there are countless varieties and the bonsai tree can be formed in a variety of styles.
Position: The Japanese Maple prefers a sunny, airy position but during great midday heat it should be placed in the light shade to prevent damaged leaves. The Japanese Maple is frost hardy even when trained as a bonsai, but it should be protected from strong frost (below -10? C / 14? F).
Styles: Formal upright, Informal Upright, Broom, Cascade

2. Bodhi tree (Ficus Religiosa)

Did you know the Ficus Religiosa was the tree under which Buddha received enlightenment? Due to this, it is commonly known as sacred fig, peepal tree, and Bo-tree. It makes an excellent bonsai.
The bodhi is a tough plant that grows fast and forms aerial roots. It has attractive shiny heart-shaped foliage that?appears in bronze color, which later turns into glossy green as the leaves mature. Also, the leaves can be easily reduced in bonsai culture.
Position: As it is a tropical tree that loves the sun and heat. Place it in a position that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily (the more the better) and provide protection from freezing temperatures.
Styles: Formal upright, Informal Upright, Cascade, Semi-cascade, Broom, Rock-over-root, Slanting, Twin-trunk, Literati and Banyan style.

3. Cotoneaster horizontalis

Cotoneaster horizontalis is often formed in the cascade style or planted on the rock, thus called ?rock cotoneaster. It is a deciduous shrub that is suitable for bonsai culture because of its forgiving nature (very suitable for beginners), it looks great due to its long-lasting color, grows best in temperate regions.
Position:?It can be grown in full sun or part shade, but flowers best in full sun positions. Protection from frost is required if long cold spells are expected.
Styles: Informal Upright, Slanting, Cascade, Semi-cascade, Literati, Group planting, Saikei