Carmona, the Oriental Tea Tree, is such a simple yet artistic bonsai! Skilfully trained into an elegant 'S' shape, this perfect miniature tree is already established and presented in a shallow plastic pot. The lush, unusually shaped waxy green lobed leaves are densely packed in clusters on the branches and dotted with pretty white flowers for many months of the year, followed by tiny round fruits that can be green, red or black. The Oriental Tea Tree is popular amongst bonsai growers who have some experience, as it can be a little more challenging than other varieties. It easily develops a thick, knotted trunk which turns light grey in colour as it ages, and the attractive cracked appearance of the bark gives it an ancient look. A truly stunning and incredibly rewarding specimen, symbolising courage and heart. A native of Southeast Asia, these are a classic-looking evergreen bonsai and a real project for you to work on. Grow in a well-lit location and feed and water regularly. There is no need to use wire to shape Carmona and it can be pruned as desired for shaping and styling. The leaves are naturally small. Your tree will benefit from time on a table outdoors during summer.
Here's the perfect place to start if you want to cultivate your own bonsai and enjoy this ancient and fascinating horticultural art form. This Brush Cherry - Syzygium has been trained by skilful cultivation into perfect miniature form. Already fully established in its own decorative plasticplanter this beautiful little tree will provide an instant focal point to any well lit room. It may even treat you to white flowers in spring, followed by red fruits in the autumn! Syzygium are native to Australia and New Zealand and are particularly well suited to bonsai culture, readily branching and forming impressive gnarled trunks as they age. They're easy to care for needing only a light trim each autumn to encourage branching. Water well as the compost becomes dry but avoid the tree standing in water. Feed occasionally with bonsai feed and your tree should thrive and last a lifetime or more! Your tree will enjoy a summer holiday on a table outdoors, but be careful to keep it watered.
Jacaranda is a stunningly vibrant tree native to South America, now it is possible to have it flowering here in the UK!
Perfect for Bonsai beginners, this Ficus macrocarpa ‘Ginseng’ is a good introduction to this Japanese living art as Ficus species are trouble-free houseplants - just ensure that you give it a spot in bright, indirect light and feed it with liquid fertiliser during the growing season