Folio № 17 of 36 · in the garden since 2024
Chinese Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Kishu Shimpaku'
Classic bonsai subject with dense, fine foliage; ideal for jins, sharis, and deadwood techniques.
The year, as this species lives it
Thirteen phases. Touch any arc — the wheel remembers what each season asks.
Early Fall · Sep 1 – Sep 30 · happening now
- Reduce frequency as temperatures drop.
- Switch to low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer.
- Clean up structure, remove weak interior shoots.
- Plan rewiring; optimal as sap flow slows.
- Look for rust or scale; apply systemic treatments if needed.
- Begin evaluating sheltering needs.
- Excellent time for jin/shari; low sap movement.
- Finalize structure heading into dormancy.
click another arc to travel the year →
The care sheet
The constants — what stays true in every season.
Full sun
Requires full sun for tight foliage and back budding.
Low to moderate
Prefers to dry slightly between waterings.
Balanced
Feed every 2 weeks during growing season.
Structural in early spring, maintenance mid-season
Do not cut into bare wood - junipers don’t backbud.
Spring or Autumn
Flexible when young; check for wire bite frequently.
Every 3-5 years
Minimal root disturbance - junipers dislike heavy pruning.
Cuttings or seed
Semi-hardwood cuttings root well with hormone.
Protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles in small pots.
Resilient; monitor for spider mites in hot weather.
On the bench · 3
Every Chinese Juniper in the garden, oldest hands first.
