All Species > Juniperus chinesis 'Kishu Shimpaku'

Kishu Chinese Juniper

Classic bonsai subject with dense, fine foliage; ideal for jins, sharis, and deadwood techniques.

Seasonal Care Guide

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  • Watering: Minimal watering needed; ensure soil remains just barely moist.
  • Pruning: Avoid pruning now; tree is fully dormant.
  • Wiring: Structural wiring can be done cautiously before sap flow begins.
  • Pests Disease: Inspect for overwintering pests like spider mites and scale.
  • Winter Protection: Protect from freeze-thaw cycles; shelter from wind and excess rain.
  • Development: Planning and observation only.
  • Display: Indoor display possible but brief to avoid stress.

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun
  • Notes: Requires full sun for tight foliage and back budding.
  • Winter: Protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles in small pots.
  • Summer: Resilient; monitor for spider mites in hot weather.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Evergreen
  • Form: Conifer

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Low to moderate
  • Notes: Prefers to dry slightly between waterings.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Feed every 2 weeks during growing season.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Flexible when young; check for wire bite frequently.
  • Pruning: Structural in early spring, maintenance mid-season
  • Notes: Do not cut into bare wood - junipers don‚Äôt backbud.
  • Repotting: Every 3-5 years
  • Notes: Minimal root disturbance - junipers dislike heavy pruning.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Semi-hardwood cuttings root well with hormone.

Zone 8b Considerations

Watch for spider mites (Jul-Aug); Prevent rot in wet Nov-Jan