My Trees > Juniper Kishu 3

About Juniper Kishu 3

This little tree likely began as a humble Kishu Shimpaku cutting, from what tree I'll probably never know. It was perhaps passed around between club members or nurtured by someone who saw promise in compact scale. Then, somewhere along the way, it got its break—a good pot, some thoughtful pruning, maybe a couple of showings—and now it’s starting to carry itself with the quiet confidence of a mature shohin.

This tree has seen hands. Not necessarily famous ones, but careful ones. Someone who knew when to stop. That restraint is rare, especially in small trees.

This little Kishu is a gem in miniature. Shohin bonsai like this are deceptive—what they lack in size, they must make up for in character, proportion, and presence. And this one already has that quiet dignity. The trunk is powerful and aged, with good movement and taper for its size. The branching feels grounded, structured, not overly manicured. It doesn’t scream for attention, but if you stop and listen, it speaks volumes.

Story: It likely began as a humble cutting, maybe passed around between club members or nurtured by someone who saw promise in compact scale. Then, somewhere along the way, it got its break—a good pot, some thoughtful pruning, maybe a couple of showings—and now it’s starting to carry itself with the quiet confidence of a mature shohin.

This tree has seen hands. Not necessarily famous ones, but careful ones. Someone who knew when to stop. That restraint is rare, especially in small trees.

This isn’t just a cute tree - it’s a patient one. It’s already close to being something special, and with the right restraint, it can be my “quiet killer” on the shohin bench. No over-styling. Let it breathe. Let it age. Let it tell its own story, with a little guidance along the way.

10-Year Plan for Juniper Kishu 3

Years 1–3: Structural Refinement

• Primary focus: Maintain and refine pad structure.

• Action items:

  • Needs a report in the spring. The soil doesn't drain very well. Back into the same pot with fresh substrate and delecate root work.
  • Selectively thin out congested areas to open internal light channels.
  • Gently wire for clarity—refine branch positioning but avoid overly tight pads.
  • Keep apex compact; don’t allow it to balloon.
  • Monitor health closely during styling—shohin have little margin for stress.

Years 3–5: Deadwood and Character Development

• Introduce subtle shari or jins to deepen the visual age without overwhelming the scale.

  • Done tastefully, this could elevate the tree from “clean shohin” to “mature presence.”
  • Preserving live vein contrast if carving.

Year 5 Repotting (Spring)

• Fresh substrate, careful root work. Shohin pots dry quickly—keep roots shallow and evenly radial.
• Ensure pot still complements the tree’s proportions. If not, consider a slightly more refined blue or earth-toned nanban style.

Years 6–10: Show Preparation & Maturity

• Begin polishing:

  • Increase detail work: finer foliage pads, delicate wiring.
  • Begin show training: rotate tree between bench and outdoor stand, reduce fertilizer late summer, manage light exposure for tighter growth.

• Show readiness should be within sight by Year 8.

  • Shohin exhibits demand balance - this tree can be an anchor if kept tight and lean.