Kishu Chinese Juniper
Juniperus chinesis 'Kishu Shimpaku'
- Evergreen
- Conifer
- Full sun
Classic bonsai subject with dense, fine foliage; ideal for jins, sharis, and deadwood techniques.
Zone 8b notes
Watch for spider mites (Jul-Aug); Prevent rot in wet Nov-Jan
Care profile
Placement
Full sun
Requires full sun for tight foliage and back budding.
Watering
Low to moderate
Prefers to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Balanced
Feed every 2 weeks during growing season.
Wiring
Spring or Autumn
Flexible when young; check for wire bite frequently.
Pruning
Structural in early spring, maintenance mid-season
Do not cut into bare wood - junipers don’t backbud.
Repotting
Every 3-5 years
Minimal root disturbance - junipers dislike heavy pruning.
Propagation
Cuttings or seed
Semi-hardwood cuttings root well with hormone.
Winter notes
Protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles in small pots.
Summer notes
Resilient; monitor for spider mites in hot weather.
Current phase
Early Summer- Watering
- Daily watering may be needed; avoid water stress.
- Fertilization
- Shift to high-nitrogen fertilizer if in development phase.
- Pruning
- Avoid heavy pruning; pinch to manage growth.
- Wiring
- Check wire tension weekly as growth surges.
- Bud Shoot Management
- Pinch to maintain interior growth light exposure.
- Pests Disease
- Watch for spider mites, especially during dry spells.
- Summer Protection
- Provide shade during extreme heat to reduce stress.
- Wound Management
- Do not carve in heat; heal time is slower.
- Development
- Let grow if in development; refine otherwise.
