Styrax japonicus
Tiny white bells on fine wood — Styrax japonicus flowers like few trees do in bonsai.
What makes it unique. The flowering in pendulous clusters of small white bell-shaped blossoms, lightly fragrant, in May–June, is one of the most delicate spectacles of spring bonsai. The naturally horizontal branch structure, in almost automatic tiers, is ideal for the bonsai aesthetic. After flowering, small persistent oval fruits extend visual interest into autumn.
Origin. Native to the mountain forests and woodland edges of Japan, China and Korea. Widely cultivated in Japan as an ornamental tree, Styrax japonicus is associated there with Zen gardens and tea gardens for the sobriety of its white flowering.
A bonsai for enthusiasts. Styrax japonicus demands particular patience: flowering in bonsai requires complete winter dormancy, good light exposure and pruning that respects the previous year''s wood, the only wood that carries flower buds. In return, the tree in bloom is unforgettable. An intermediate-level species, accessible provided its rhythm is understood.
Tiny white bells on fine wood — Styrax japonicus flowers like few trees do in bonsai.
What makes it unique. The flowering in pendulous clusters of small white bell-shaped blossoms, lightly fragrant, in May–June, is one of the most delicate spectacles of spring bonsai. The naturally horizontal branch structure, in almost automatic tiers, is ideal for the bonsai aesthetic. After flowering, small persistent oval fruits extend visual interest into autumn.
Origin. Native to the mountain forests and woodland edges of Japan, China and Korea. Widely cultivated in Japan as an ornamental tree, Styrax japonicus is associated there with Zen gardens and tea gardens for the sobriety of its white flowering.
A bonsai for enthusiasts. Styrax japonicus demands particular patience: flowering in bonsai requires complete winter dormancy, good light exposure and pruning that respects the previous year''s wood, the only wood that carries flower buds. In return, the tree in bloom is unforgettable. An intermediate-level species, accessible provided its rhythm is understood.