37 Beautiful Flowering Trees Recommended For Bonsai
Speaking of bonsai, surely you think of old trees that are stunted and don’t expect to produce attractive flowers. But the reality is not like that. There are dozens of types of flowering trees that will produce beautiful flowers even when planted in shallow bonsai pots and little soil.
There are many species of flowering trees suitable for bonsai. Some of these you often see around where you live, in public parks, and on the side of the road, for example like Bougainvillea.
So if you are interested in making bonsai from flowering trees, especially those that produce full flowers. Here bonsai-passion.co.uk will recommend the 37 best flowering trees for bonsai.
What flowering trees are suitable for bonsai? Here’s the list:
1. Azalea (Rhododendron sp.)
Azalea Bonsai displayed at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, USA
Rhododendron is a species of flowering tree that is most suitable for bonsai. In their native Japan and China, many bonsai artists use Azalea trees as bonsai objects.
It is a tree that can grow in tropical and subtropical climates with many varieties and cultivars. You can choose the varieties and cultivars yourself, and make sure they are suitable for the climate in your area.
2. Crabapple (Malus sp.)
Malus is a genus of 35 species of trees and shrubs in the family Rosaceae, which includes several species cultivated for their fruit.
Flowers are usually in umbrella-shaped clusters, white or with various shades of pink or purple. They have five sepals, five rounded petals, and between fifteen to fifty stamens, of which the anthers are usually yellow.
The fruit is a bulge and usually crowned with a sturdy calyx, and the shape depends on the variety, but is usually spherical or ovoid in shape. Several Malus species are very important fruit trees.
Most of the Malus species do not bloom in the tropics, as they require little frost.
3. Paperflower (Bougainvillea sp.)
This tree is familiar to you. Paperflower is a tree in full bloom regardless of the season. This tree is also very tolerant of a variety of temperatures and soils. However, Paperflower trees are better suited for planting out in the open with dry soil. They will produce full blossoms if the growing conditions are open, a little hot, and the soil is dry.
Unfortunately, this tree hates shade. They will not flower in full if the planting site does not get full sun or the soil is moist.
4. Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
Many people do not think that this vine shrub can make such an attractive bonsai. Yes, Wisteria is a vine tree that produces full blossoms in spring-like cherry blossoms.
Bonsai artists in subtropical climates often use this tree as their bonsai and it looks very elegant in beautiful ceramic pots.
5. Chinese Fringe Flower (Loropetalum chinense)
Loropetalum chinense is commonly known as Chinese fringe flower or Chinese strap flower (檵木). There are two varieties of Loropetalum chinense, varieties with green leaves and white to pale yellow flowers, and varieties with pink to dark red flowers, depending on selection and growing conditions.
Chinese fringe flower is evergreen with branches forming horizontal layers. The leaves are alternately arranged, ovoid in shape, 2.5 to 5 cm long by about 2.5 cm wide, and slightly leathery.
6. Japanese Cherry (Prunus sp.)
Japanese Cherry is a very famous tree and is widely planted as an ornamental tree in public parks or large yards. This tree also has many varieties and cultivars, ranging from those that live in cold, temperate, to tropical climates.
This tree is easy to care for and will produce full blossoms in the spring (depending on the variety).
7. Camellia (Camellia sp.)
Camellia are a genus of trees native to eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas in the east to Japan and Indonesia. Currently, there are 100-300 species described and around 3,000 hybrids.
The Camellia tree is well known throughout East Asia and is often grown as an ornamental garden tree, hedge plant, and bonsai.
8. Magnolia (Magnolia sp.)
Magnolia is a large flowering tree with many varieties and cultivars that have bright flower colors. This tree can grow in various climates (depending on the variety) and produces very fragrant flowers.
9. Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
Outside of Japan and China, this tree is a little difficult to find. The flowering quince is a variety of the Quince tree that grows as a low, full-flowered shrub. Its characteristics that grow as a low shrub and crooked trunk are very suitable for bonsai.
In contrast to the fruit-bearing Quince tree, Flowering quinces only produce attractive flowers and rarely bear fruit.
10. Chinese Quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis)
Pseudocydonia sinensis or Chinese quince (木瓜) is a deciduous tree in the Rosaceae family, native to southern and eastern China. It is the only species in the genus Pseudocydonia.
This tree is closely related to the genus Chaenomeles, and is sometimes referred to as Chaenomeles sinensis, but is thornless and has single, non-clustered flowers.
The fruit is tough and tastes astringent, it is used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a food in East Asia.
11. European Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria)
European Smoketree is native to southern Europe, Central Asia, the Himalayas, and northern China. This is a shrubby tree that can grow to 5 meters tall. It is named smoketree because of its flower that clumps like smoke.
This tree can only grow in subtropical climates because it is a deciduous tree. It is also known as the fiery bush because its autumn leaves are dark red like fire.
12. Blue Bell (Trifidacanthus unifoliolatus)
Trifidacanthus unifoliolatus is a flowering shrub that was formerly a member of the genus Desmodium. Currently it has been transferred to the genus Trifidacanthus.
Trifidacanthus unifoliolatus comes from Vietnam, the Philippines and the Lesser Sunda Islands which is often used in bonsai because it has suitable characteristics such as small leaves, dense branching and relatively fast growth. This species is widely cultivated in Asia and marketed as a pre-bonsai or hedge plant.
In the wild, Blue Bell grows as a compact, low shrub with purple flowers that appear most of the year.
13. Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Crepe Myrtle is a flowering shrub tree that when they are in full bloom is very similar to Japanese cherry blossoms. Because of this, these trees are also sometimes referred to as tropical Japanese cherry.
This tree does not need extra care and is tolerant of a long drought.
Crepe Myrtle is perfect for growing in tropical climates and open areas that are exposed to the sun all day long. They will produce full blossoms in the summer and partially shed their leaves.
14. Lilac (Syringa sp.)
Syringa is a genus of 12 currently recognized species of woody flowering trees in the family Oleaceae, commonly called Lilacs.
Lilacs come from forests and shrubs from Southeastern Europe to East Asia. Lilac is widely cultivated in temperate climates throughout most of the world as an ornamental tree.
The flowers grow in large panicles, and in some species have a strong scent. Flowering varies from mid spring to early summer, depending on the species.
15. Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica)
Pieris japonica is a tree that belongs to the Ericaceae family, native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan where it grows in mountain thickets.
Japanese andromeda and its hybrids are widely cultivated as ornamental specimens.
Japanese andromeda is a shrub or small tree from 1 to 3 meters tall, sometimes up to 5 meters, with simple alternate leaves on fragile stems.
16. Rose (Rosa sp.)
Rose is a thorny herbaceous plant whose flowers are variegated and smell good.
The wild rose consists of more than 100 species, mostly growing in the cool northern hemisphere. This species is generally a thorny shrub or climbing plant that can reach 2-5 meters in height. Although it is rarely found, the height of a rose that propagates on other plants can reach 20 meters.
17. Potentilla (Potentilla sp.)
Potentilla is a species of flowering shrub in the Rosaceae family, native to temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This tree is often found growing in the highlands in the mountains.
This tree is cultivated as an ornamental plant and 130 Potentilla cultivars have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
18. Mums (Chrysanthemum sp.)
Mums is a type of flowering plant that is often planted as a yard ornamental plant or a pick flower. These flowering plants began to appear in the Cretaceous period.
The mummy flower is part of the Asteraceae family which includes various types of Chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemum is native to East Asia and northeastern Europe.
This Japanese national flower in Japanese is called Kiku (キク). Because of its fragrant aroma, this flower is often added to tea to make it more fragrant and delicious.
19. Fuchsia (Fuchsia sp.)
Fuchsia is a genus of flowering trees in the Onagraceae family, native to South America. There are about 100 species belonging to this genus.
French tree expert, Charles Plumier was the first to discover this tree. In 1696, Plumier found this tree growing wild on the island of Hispaniola, Caribbean Islands. Cultivation of this tree was later introduced to North America and to Europe.
In some places, Fuchsia is released to the wild.
20. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos sp.)
Manzanita is a shrub or small tree that grows from Southern British Columbia and Washington to Oregon, California, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Mexico, and Texas in the United States.
Manzanitas trees can live in bad places such as poor soil and little water. This tree has smooth orange or red bark and stiff, twisted branches.
There are more than 100 species and subspecies of manzanita, and 95 of them are found in the Mediterranean climate and cooler mountainous regions of California.
21. Goldenbell (Forsythia koreana)
Goldenbell or Forsythia Bush is a flowering tree originating from Korea. This tree grows as a low shrub with branches filled with yellow flowers in the spring.
This tree is cultivated as an ornamental tree to complement gardens, yards, office yards, and fences. It is also suitable for growing as a flowering bonsai in shallow pots.
22. Yellow Mai (Ochna integerrima)
Ochna integerrima popularly called Yellow Mai is a species of flowering tree in the genus Ochna in the family Ochnaceae. In the wild, it is a shrub or small tree species from 2-7 meters tall.
This tree is very popular in southern Vietnam, where it is often the subject of bonsai known as Mai vàng, Hoa mai, and Hoàng.
Ochna integerrima is difficult to grow and also difficult to care for. If planted in a pot, pay attention to fertilizing and changing the soil every year.
23. Knife-leaf Acacia (Acacia cultriformis)
Acacia cultriformis, also known as the Knife-leaf Acacia, is a tree in the Acacia genus native to Australia. This tree is widely cultivated, and has been found to have naturalized in Asia, Africa, North America, New Zealand, and South America.
The Knife-leaf Acacia can grow to a height of about 4 meters and has yellow flowers that appear from August to November in its natural range. Its attractive foliage and bright flowers make it a popular garden plant.
24. Hybrid Witch Hazel (Hamamelis × intermedia)
Hybrid witch hazel is a flowering trees in the Hamamelidaceae family. It is a garden-origin hybrid between Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis. Its Latin name refers to the appearance between the two species.
This tree can grow up to 4 meters tall with a zig-zag trunk and simple leaves up to 15 cm long, which turn yellow in autumn. The flowers are yellow, orange or red with twisted petals appearing on stems in mid-winter to early spring.
Many hybrid witch hazel cultivars have been developed, some of which have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
25. Chinese Winter Hazel (Corylopsis sinensis)
Chinese Winter Hazel (蠟瓣花) is a species of flowering tree in the Hamamelidaceae family, native to western China. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height. With ovate leaves, it produces fragrant, drooping pale yellow flowers in spring.
Chinese Winter Hazel is cultivated as an ornamental plant. Although it can withstand temperatures of -15 °C, it prefers sheltered places in acidic soil.
26. Weigela (Weigela Florida)
Weigela florida is perhaps the most common and popular species along with its cultivar ‘Foliis purpureis’, a slower growing dwarf form.
This tree has a compact habit with reddish-purple leaves and attractive pink flowers. The cultivar ‘Variegata’ has cream or white leaves, and ‘Venusta’ flowers are slightly larger and brighter pink than the other types.
The flowers appear in May and June. Sometimes there is a second phase at the end of the season.
27. West Indian Jasmine (Ixora sp.)
Ixora is a genus of flowering trees in the family Rubiaceae consisting of small trees and evergreen shrubs and has about 562 species. Although native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, the center of its diversity is in Tropical Asia.
Ixora is also grown commonly in subtropical climates in the United States, such as Florida where Ixora is commonly known as West Indian Jasmine.
Ixora prefers acidic soil, and is a great choice for tropical bonsai.
28. Powder-puff (Calliandra sp.)
Calliandra are a genus of a pod of pods, with members of about 150 species native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is in the form of a medium-sized tree with compound flowers in bright colors (white, pink, or red).
Powder-puffs flower all year round, but they will be in full bloom in spring and summer.
29. Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)
Japanese Snowbell is a tree from the genus Styrax that produces white, bell-like flowers, and the flowers can be used as nectar.
In Japan, this tree is often planted as an ornamental tree as well as an object of bonsai. Several cultivars were cultivated, it was a rather large-flowered one and a shrub tree with many branches. One of its cultivars ‘Fargesii’ has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
30. Water Jasmine (Wrightia religiosa)
In tropical Southeast Asia, Water Jasmine is widely grown as a hedge tree, ornamental tree, and bonsai. They produce white flowers with a shape like real Jasmine (Jasminum sambac).
Water Jasmine flowers all year round and most of the summer.
There are several varieties of Water Jasmine circulating in the plant market, they have large green leaves, large yellowish leaves, long narrow yellowish leaves, and small green leaves. The small green leaf type is the most suitable as a bonsai considering that its small leaf size is very suitable in the art of bonsai.
31. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
Lonicera japonica is a species of tree that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, native to East Asia.
This tree is known as Japanese honeysuckle or Princess jasmine and is often planted as an ornamental tree because of its very fragrant flowers.
Lonicera japonica is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
32. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Gardenia jasminoides is an annual shrub in the Rubiaceae family. The flowers are large, white and very fragrant. Taxonomically, Gardenia is not closely related to jasmine (Jasminum sp.).
Gardenia jasminoides grows as an upright shrub 1-2 meters high. The stem is woody, branched, the young twigs are waxy, brownish green. Gardenia flowers are a cut flower commodity, used in bouquets and corsages.
33. Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum)
Trachelospermum asiaticum is a species of flowering tree in the Apocynaceae family and native to Asia. The flowers resemble stars, so it is also called star jasmine or Asian star jasmine. It is a fast growing vine often used to cover fences, walls and similar surfaces. Trachelospermum asiaticum is heat and cold tolerant, and grows even in shady areas.
This tree grows in mountain forests and shrubs, often found attached to trees.
Trachelospermum asiaticum has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
34. Bottlebrush (Callistemon sp.)
Callistemon is a genus of shrubby trees in the family Myrtaceae, endemic to Australia but widely cultivated in many other areas and naturalized in scattered locations.
Several Callistemon species are drought tolerant and are used in ornamental landscaping elsewhere in the world.
The flowers appear in spring and early summer, but these conditions can vary depending on the environment.
35. Singapore Holly (Malpighia coccigera)
Malpighia coccigera is a species of flowering trees in the family Malpighiaceae, native to the Caribbean. This tree is commonly known as Singapore Holly or Dwarf Holly because of its leaf shape which is similar to True Holly (Ilex sp.).
The flowers are white to pink which are followed by red berries. The fruit is highly favored by wild birds and causes this tree to grow everywhere.
Singapore Holly is grown as an ornamental tree and is often used to create bonsai.
36. Silk Cotton Tree (Bombax ceiba)
The Silk Cotton Tree is a flowering trees that is considered sacred by Hindus. This tree can grow to a very large size (up to 60 meters) and is often planted near sacred buildings.
At the time of the discovery of the Pawon Temple in Central Java, this tree was known to be growing in the ruins of buildings.
37. Desert Rose (Adenium sp.)
Desert Rose or Adenium is a succulent tree that is native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In the wild, this tree grows in dry, barren deserts. They store water reserves in their thick (succulent) roots and can survive without rain for long periods.
Despite growing in bad places, they still produce abundant flowers. The flowers are large and white pink or white red.
Because these trees are drought tolerant and can remain in full bloom, eventually they are widely cultivated and planted in arid regions in many countries of the world. Desert Rose is also suitable for growing in tropical climates, but it needs full sun and dry soil to produce full flowers.
Currently, there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of Desert Rose cultivars that are cultivated as ornamental plants. Most of them come from special Adenium cultivators in Thailand and Indonesia.
Above are dozens of types of flowering trees that are recommended for bonsai. Although not all can be planted in the same place due to climate factors.
If you have suggestions to add to the list above, don’t hesitate to write them in the comments column.
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