Hornbeams are ideal trees for gardeners who want to get into bonsai growing. Since the tree is very easy to care for and tolerates pruning, a very decorative bonsai can be grown from it in a very short time. Tips for growing hornbeam as bonsai.

Hornbeams are excellent for training as bonsai

The right substrate for bonsai hornbeams

The substrate must be permeable to prevent waterlogging. Mixtures of garden soil, loam, sand and leaf soil are well suited. Typical bonsai soils such as Akadama or expanded slate are also recommended.

Maintain hornbeam as bonsai

  • Water regularly
  • Fertilize March to September
  • repot in spring
  • cut back steadily

The soil must never dry out completely. Because of the fairly high leaf mass, hornbeam should be fertilized regularly in the shell. Organic fertilizers are preferable.

Initially, the bonsai is repotted annually, later only every two to three years. Fully grown bonsai hornbeams only get a new pot when the pot is completely rooted. Repot in spring before new growth.

Cut hornbeam as bonsai

Since hornbeams naturally grow slightly crooked and stunted, they should not be cultivated too strictly and certainly not in the shape of a broom.

The main cut is done in early spring before the new leaves sprout. During the gardening year, the hornbeam can be pruned more frequently.

The last cut should be done at the end of August. Otherwise, shoots that grow later will not mature and will freeze at sub-zero temperatures.

Wiring hornbeams is not absolutely necessary

Hornbeams are rarely wired. The shaping is mainly done by cutting.

If you want to wire the hornbeam, you need to be very careful, because the shoots tear easily.

Overwinter bonsai hornbeam

Since bonsai grows in a pot, you should not hibernate it too cool. A cool greenhouse is suitable, in which a few degrees below zero are welcome.

It is even easier to plant the bonsai in the garden together with the pot in the fall and to take them out again in the spring. This saves time-consuming care measures during the winter.

tips

If you are particularly concerned that the hornbeam does not become too large and sprawling, grow it in a columnar shape. The hornbeam remains very narrow and can be shortened to the desired height.

Category:

Trees