Summary
This arching deciduous shrub makes a beautiful bonsai. The Cotoneaster tree is
easy to grow and hardy, which makes it an ideal choice for beginners. The leaves
are small and the tree produces beautiful, delicate white flowers in the spring.
Some species of the Cotoneaster will also produce beautiful, red berries. As you
begin searching for Cotoneaster, you will discover a number of varieties, each
making a great choice for bonsai.
- Cotoneaster (Horizontalis)
- Cotoneaster (Compacta Nana)
- Cotoneaster (Microphyllus)
- Cotoneaster (Congestus)
The nice aspect of using the Cotoneaster for bonsai is that it can be
trained in most styles although the cascade, root on rock, clump, upright,
and root over rock are the best. Since the Cotoneaster can be propagated
easily by using cuttings from an established plant or from a new plant
purchased from a nursery, you will often find people growing several
Cotoneasters.
Proper Care
The Cotoneaster needs to be kept in a sunny location but also in the shade
to grow. You would also need to provide adequate protection from frost.
During the summer months, this shrub needs to be watered often and then less
in the winter. However, the Cotoneaster should never be allowed to dry out.
Quality fertilizer needs to be applied during the growing season, with the
exception of the flowering/fruiting season.
To achieve great style, you would need to provide heavy pruning, which is
easily tolerated. New shoots should be trimmed during the growing period
with old growth being cut in the spring. For training with wire, this can be
performed at any time of the year.
