Evergreen Bonsai Tree Species and Care

Elle

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Bonsai Care and MaintenanceBonsai Species
Ficus bonsai tree growing on an black surface.

Evergreen bonsai do not shed their leaves in the fall, but as the name suggests, remain green all year round. They may be either broad-leaved or conifers. 

Ficus evergreen bonsai tree growing on a black surface.
Ficus evergreen bonsai tree.

Conifer Bonsai Tree Species

Conifers are trees that have needle-like leaves, and include Pines and Junipers. 

Some commonly-grown conifer bonsai tree species are: 

  • Bald cypress  
  • Buddhist pine (Podocarpus sp.)
  • Cedar  
  • Hemlock  
  • Hinoki cypress  
  • Japanese cedar  
  • Juniper (Juniperus sp.)  
  • Larch and Golden Larch  
  • Pines (Pinus sp.)  
  • Redwoods (Metasequoia sp. and Sequoia sp.) 
  • Spruce (Picea sp.)  
  • Yew  

Broadleaf Evergreen Bonsai Trees

Broadleaf evergreen bonsai trees have broad flat leaves, similar to those of a deciduous tree. However, they do not lose their leaves in the fall as a deciduous bonsai tree would. 

Here is a list of the common species of broadleaf evergreen bonsai species:

  • Azalea (Rhododendron sp.) 
  • Bamboo
  • Bougainvillea
  • Box or boxwood (Buxus sp.)
  • Camellia
  • Citrus (Citrus limon and C. sinensis) 
  • Cotoneaster 
  • Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp.)
  • Dwarf Jade 
  • Eucalyptus 
  • Ficus (retusa/ ginseng)
  • Firethorn (Pyracantha sp.) 
  • Fuchsia
  • Fukien tea
  • Hibiscus
  • Japanese holly (Ilex crenata)
  • Jasmine (Gardenia sp.) 
  • Money tree (Pachira aquatica) 
  • Myrtle 
  • Olive (Olea europaea) 
  • Privet (Ligustrum sp.)
  • Snow rose
  • Sweet plum (Sageretia theezans) 
  • Water jasmine (Wrightea religiosa) 
  • Wattle (Acacia sp.) 

Evergreen Bonsai Care

Generally, evergreens need less watering than deciduous trees, but should be watered all year round.

During summer, place your evergreen bonsai in a position of partial shade. Ideally you should place your tree off the ground to protect it from ground dwelling insects and from your pets.

Water moderately, leaving the soil to dry in between. Your bonsai will also benefit from being turned periodically.

Feed your evergreen bonsai from mid March to early September.

Conifer Bonsai Care

Conifer bonsai trees are winter hardy and need no special winter care—your conifer bonsai can simply be left outdoors. 

Ideally, they should be placed in a position of full sun and protected from strong wind.

Repotting, pruning and wiring should be done in winter.

Broadleaf Evergreen Bonsai Care

Broadleaf evergreen bonsai are not generally as winter hardy as conifers.

Many varieties, however, such as Satsuki Azalea, Loropetelums and Gardenias, can be left outdoors during winter provided they are not exposed to severe frost. 

You should move your bonsai temporarily to a cool, well lit interior, such as a greenhouse, porch or conservatory during especially cold winter spells.

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