In Japan, rhododendrons symbolize spring. They are known under the collective name Satsuki and, like pine and maple, are particularly popular in bonsai art due to the variety of species. Translated, the genus name means rose tree.
A blooming mini rhododendron is a real feast for the eyes
Appropriate species
The Rhododendron genus includes more than a hundred species and over a thousand cultivated forms. Specimens with small and leathery leaves are suitable for bonsai design. These are evergreen and retain their foliage throughout the winter months. Such representatives have their origins in Asian countries. Depending on the variety, the flowering period extends from spring to summer. The varieties flower from white to yellow and pink to red, blue and violet in all imaginable colors.
Azaleas suitable as outdoor bonsai:
- Japanese Azalea: Rhododendron obtusum (Japanese: Kurume tsutsuji)
- Satsuki Azalea: Rhododendron indicum (Japanese: Satsuki)
- **Kaempferis Azalea*: Rhododendron kaempferi (Japanese: Yama tsutsuji)
design options
Rhododendrons are suitable for almost all styles. They form a beautiful nebari and are characterized by rapid growth. Azaleas branch well throughout the trunk, allowing them to develop many tiers in a short period of time. A drastic pruning is not a problem because of this ability and is often used as a styling method.
Shape a bonsai
During the growth period, young plants are pruned at intervals of six to eight weeks. Just before flowering, remove any shoots that are growing steeply upwards or pointing downwards. Select the flower buds so that the tree does not put too much energy into the florescence. Young shoots that develop near the buds are broken off.
After flowering, cut off the new shoots when they have reached three to four centimeters in length. To get more volume in the crown, you can shorten the previous year's shoots to one or two pairs of leaves. Make sure you shorten the top of the tree crown as little as possible. This part is the area with the lowest growth rate for rhododendrons. Intensive interventions carry the risk of dehydration.
You must pay attention to this
In the further course you concentrate not only on the annual growth, but also on the strong old branches. Japanese art recommends removing the main branches when the tree is at least twelve years old. Then start shaping again. In this way you revitalize the bonsai. However, thick branches should not be cut down to the branch ring, because azaleas tend to lose their sap.
wire
Thicker branches can be shaped with copper wire after flowering and pruning. To make it easier on the tree, you can wrap the wire with paper tape. If the shoots are too young, there is a risk of injury because the bark is very sensitive. Mature wood is highly brittle and should be shaped using guying methods.