Lime trees are known to us primarily as solid folk trees that spread their shady crowns on village squares, in front of good middle-class restaurants or in parks. The fact that they are also ideal for bonsai culture may be new to some.

The lime tree is a distinctive bonsai

A native tree transferred to the kingdom of the east

The Japanese bonsai culture is thousands of years old and has its original roots in China. The Far Eastern gardening art of extremely well-trained, small tree cultures in pots has become particularly widespread in the West, especially in recent years. In garden centers, bonsai trees are now just as much part of the standard range as classic pansies.

The characteristics of bonsai culture at a glance:

  • very old garden art from Japan (origin China)
  • very small shrub/tree culture in the pot
  • gradual artistic deformation of the growth by pruning branches and roots
  • now also in fashion in the West

The lime tree as a bonsai candidate

Anyone who wants to get into the art of bonsai and try their hand at artistically deforming a tree is well advised to use a linden tree. Because the easy-care and tolerant deciduous tree tolerates this intensive artificial intervention very well and shows quick results. The wood of the lime tree is quite soft, which makes it rather inferior for carpenters but all the more valuable for bonsai artists. The good tolerance to pruning and the joy of budding complete the good bonsai properties of the lime tree.

What to consider with lime tree bonsai

The linden species

Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider when it comes to lime tree bonsai. First of all, the type of linden tree is important. Only small-leaved limes are primarily suitable for bonsai culture. On the one hand, they have a deep branch base and can therefore be kept smaller and more compact. On the other hand, they have smaller leaves than the summer linden, which has a more harmonious effect in terms of proportions.

cutting and wiring

A lot can be cut when shaping - if you avoid messy and crushing cuts your bonsai tree will twist well. To bring the branches into shape, you can also wire (pull tension wires). But you shouldn't leave them there for too long - the wires grow easily into the soft linden bark.

location and care

A sunny location is best for the lime tree bonsai. It is slightly less frost hardy in a pot than outdoors. You should fertilize regularly with organic fertilizer, as the lime tree is very sensitive to salt. Water regularly, especially on hot summer days.

Category:

Trees