Prunus is a genus
of more than 200 species of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs,
widely distributed throughout Northern Temperate regions and S.
America to SE Asia. They occur mainly in woodland, woodland margins
and thickets, but also in a range of other habitats, including
coastal sands, rocky places and cliffs.
Cherries have alternate,
broadly ovate to lance-shaped to rounded, usually toothed leaves.
Ornamental cherries exemplify the spirit of Japanese gardens and
bonsai when in bloom and it is for their blossom that they are
primarily cultivated. There are a vast number of Prunus species
and varieties are available, all displaying variations of white,
pink or red, saucer- or cup- shaped flowers, usually during the
Winter.
There
are equally many varieties suitable for bonsai cultivation and
the use of an individual variety is largely dependent on leaf
and flower size.
BONSAI CULTIVATION
NOTES
POSITION Full
sun; provide some shade at the height of Summer. Many Prunus species
are fully hardy to at least -10°C but there is some variation
across the genus. Check each species and variety for their individual
frost tolerance.
FEEDING Feed
at least every two weeks during the growing season though weekly
feeding during the Summer months results in increased flower bud
production.
REPOTTING
Repot annually in late Winter as soon as flowering finishes.
PRUNING Prune
hard after flowers have fallen, trim back new growth as necessary
throughout the growing season. Wire during Spring and Summer as
necessary.
PROPAGATION
Sow seed outside in Autumn; species will come true but varieties
need to be vegetively propagated to remain true to type. Root
greenwood cuttings in early Summer, semi-ripe cuttings in mid-Summer.
Air-layer in Spring. Beware of poor grafts if purchasing from
nurseries or garden centres.
PESTS AND DISEASES
Susceptible to damage from aphids, caterpillars and birds who
enjoy the flower buds. Diseases include peach leaf curl, silver
leaf, blossom wilt and Taphrina wiesneri which causes witches'
brooms.
STYLING Suitable
for all forms except broom. The size of the bonsai should be in
keeping with flower size of the variety or species used.
