Plant used for bonsai - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Japanese cedar is the national tree of Japan, commonly planted around temples, with many hugely impressive trees planted centuries ago. It can be difficult to grow from seed.

Diospyros virginiana, commonly known as Persimmon, is a deciduous tree native to the Eastern United States. It grows to a height of 10-20 feet and sometimes is used for bonsai. The tree needs to be planted in full sun or semi-shade in USDA Zone 6-9 and requires moderate watering.

The fruit of the Persimmon tree is a plum-like berry that ranges in size up to 2 inches in diameter. Initially green in color, the fruit turns orange to black when ripe. It is very astringent and mouth-numbing when green, but turns sweet and edible after a hard freeze. The fruit is typically ready to harvest in the middle to late fall.

Persimmon fruit has a lot of nutritional benefits. It is high in dietary fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also provides B vitamins, minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and polyphenols. The fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, or processed into jam or jelly. It can also be used to make a sweet, spicy, and delicious stew.

If you are looking to grow Persimmon in a pot, regardless of whether you live in a cold region, you can easily do so by following a few simple steps. Make sure to use well-draining soil. Ensure that the pot is wide enough - a minimum of 24-inches in diameter is recommended. Keep the soil moist and provide the plant with enough sunlight - a minimum of 6 hours per day. Lastly, keep the potted tree protected from extreme temperatures and snow or frost during winter.

Ficus deltoidea (Mistletoe Fig) is an evergreen tree native to the Malay Archipelago. It is often used for bonsai because of its interesting shape and ornamental foliage. It has waxy leaves and produces small nodules of fruit. Tiny inedible figs emerge year round and turn red before dropping. It can grow to a height of up to 20 ft, and can survive in semi-shade or full sun. It can also tolerate a wide range of soil types and is very flood tolerant, making it suitable for seaside areas. It is also tolerant of salt, making it ideal for coastal gardens.

In terms of care and maintenance, Ficus deltoidea requires moderate water and is best planted in rich, well-draining soil. It is recommended that fertilizer be applied in spring and summer. If planted in a pot, the soil should be kept slightly moist, as too much water can cause root rot. In colder regions, a pot should preferably be kept indoors and brought outdoors during milder months. It is important to note that this plant is not cold hardy and can be damaged by temperatures below 40F.

Ficus deltoidea can grow in USDA Zones 10-11 and is a great ornamental plant for any garden. With its low maintenance requirements, it is no wonder that this plant has become popular for both indoor and outdoor settings. Coupled with its tolerance for soils of varying types, salt and flood, this plant is a perfect choice for many gardeners.

Slow-growing shrub or multi-branched small tree, a bit succulent-looking due to its growth habit ans tiny leaves. It will grow eventually 7 to 10 ft tall, with erect and spreading main branches, branchlets sometimes with thick thorns, a trunk that is whitish grey, the bark is smooth, often flaking into thin peels. Spectacular, large white and yellow flowers with their sweet scent attract passersby from a distance to this small, much-branched tree. Leaves are smooth and crowded at the ends of twigs, usually in whorls of three, light glossy green, short-stalked, 1-2" size, oval to almost round. Flowers are solitary at the ends of short, rigid branches, borne November to March, white turning yellow, short-stalked, with a long, slender greenish tube, and spreading white lobes. The calyx is very unusual, with long, narrow lobes arising from its sides and not at its apex. The flowers are followed by smooth, glossy, golden yellow fruits. They are attractive, pear-shaped, woody, glossy golden yellow, hard and flattened, usually produced in large quantities between February and August. The long, slender flower tube and the white, sweetly scented flowers suggest that insects like moths and butterflies pollinate this plant. Decorative fruiting branches placed in a vase may remain fresh for up to month, since branches are able to absorb water readily. In traditional medicine, fruit and roots are boiled and used as an emetic. This very neat and decorative small tree is best suited for a spot in the garden where it will stand alone so that it gets all the attention it deserves, more especially when in flower. The genus name Gardenia was named after Alexander Garden, a medical doctor and naturalist from South Carolina. The species name cornuta means horned; perhaps referring to the remnants of the persistent calyx lobes of the fruit. This species was first collected in 1870 but it was only after 35 years that it was eventually described in 1906. The genus Gardenia has about 60 species in tropical and warm parts of the Old World, seven in southern Africa. Gardenia cornuta is not widely found in gardens. Another related species, Gardenia thunbergia, looks much alike due to similar growth habit and small leaves (which are pointed unlike rounded leaves of g. cornuta) and is another attractive species, worthy of cultivation. Because of its growth habit and slow growth rate gardenia cornuta is a good bonsai plant. Very closely related specie - Hyperacanthus amoenus (Gardenia amoena).

Grewia occidentalis (Lavender Star Flower) is a large shrub or small tree, native to South Africa, which can be used for bonsai. It will grow to a height of 5 to 10 feet tall in ideal conditions, while in cooler regions it will usually remain a small tree, reaching a maximum height of 10 to 20 feet. It thrives in full sun or semi-shade and regular watering is necessary for optimum growth. In the spring and summer, the airy foliage is accented with 1.5 inch wide pink, blue, lavender, or purple flowers that attract many butterflies and hummingbirds.

Grewia occidentalis is a surprisingly hardy plant, tolerating temperatures as low as 30°F for a short period of time, making it suitable for USDA zones 9-11. This plant is best grown in a container in cooler regions, and with regular cutting back after flowering it can be kept in a desired shape. The plant should also be kept moist and be fertilized three times a year with an acid-loving fertilizer, with an iron supplement once a year to supplement its chlorotic tendencies.

A tropical shrub native to Southeast Asia, known for its distinctive yellow flowers resembling a parrot's beak. The variegated form features striking green and creamy-white foliage.

Grows well in full sun to partial shade, prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to avoid keeping the soil consistently wet. This plant prefers well-draining soil and benefits from occasional misting, especially in dry conditions.

Suitable for tropical gardens and bonsai.

Evergreen to semi-deciduous in cooler or dry conditions.

Erythrina is a genus of tropical and subtropical flowering trees. The name Coral Tree is used for many of these trees.

All species of Erythrina have bean-like seed pods.

The seeds of over 40 of the species contain alkaloids, and some of the Amazonian species are used for medicinal and other purposes by indigenous peoples.

Olea europea, or the Olive tree, is a hardy and versatile plant native to the Eastern Mediterranean region. It can be used for bonsai, as it grows to between 10-20 feet tall and can grow happily in full sun or even in dry conditions. It requires moderate water but is well-suited for even drought conditions, making it a perfect choice for those in drier climates or those who want a low-maintenance garden. This tree is ethnomedical significant, being consumed as a food and used for its oil. It also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it beneficial to both gardeners and nature-lovers alike. In addition, mature plants can survive cold temperatures down to the mid-20s F (USDA Zone 8-10), making it a great choice for more northern climates.

The Olive tree is known for its delicious fruits. Each tree can produce hundreds of olives per year, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Olives are high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and vitamin E, making them a nutritious addition to many diets. They can be eaten raw, or pickled, or even pressed to produce the famous olive oil. This oil is used both in cooking as well as in beauty products, as it is high in nutrients and known for its healing properties.

As an olive tree grows, it needs regular care to make sure it performs its best. In areas with cold winters, they should be planted in containers and brought indoors when temperatures dip. They also need soil high in organic matter and well-drained, so a soil amendment is necessary before planting. In terms of pruning, the tree should be pruned only to remove dead or damaged parts; it does not need to be regularly pruned. Lastly, it is important to give the olive tree enough water to establish itself and thrive, especially during the hotter months of the year.

Read more about Olive tree: How to make your Olive tree grow faster.