Shimpaku Juniper Also Known As The Smoke Of The Volcano Is Extremely Popular With Bonsai Artists


by Tim Gorman - Date: 2006-12-10 - Word Count: 319 Share This!

The Shimpaku Juniper was discovered in Japan just over a century ago. The Shimpaku Juniper is known as the "smoke of the volcano" because of its beautifully patterned swirling trunk. Unfortunately, largely due to its popularity as a bonsai, this juniper is now all but extinct in its natural state and is very difficult to find growing wild anywhere.

The Shimpaku Juniper maxes out at two to three feet high and greatly resembles a bush. Its first foliage is needle-like, but as it matures its foliage becomes like soft scales. The Shimpaku Juniper is not too temperamental -- it thrives in sunshine, but is happy in the shade and can endure fluctuating extremes in temperature. Furthermore, the Shimpaku Juniper needs rocky and well-drained soil and a good misting every day during the growing season.

Branching can be increased by pinching new growth and the Shimpaku Juniper should be pruned throughout the year. During the growing season, all unwanted branches should be removed and roots should be gradually pruned, removing less than a third of the roots at a time.

The best time to wire is in the early winter, when the Shimpaku Juniper tree is dormant and its branches can get used to new positions. Wiring old, brittle wood is not a good idea, but new growth easily accommodates the wiring. Take care to never allow the wire to pierce the bark of a Shimpaku Juniper tree.

A new Shimpaku Juniper tree should be re-potted every other year until it reaches 10 years old. After that, re-potting every three or four years is sufficient. A newly re-potted Shimpaku Juniper tree should be protected from wind and direct sun for two months.

Spider mites can be a problem for the Shimpaku Juniper and you will know their presence if your juniper's foliage turns yellow. Spraying insecticidal soap can help, or for a more natural repellent, you can use a solution of tobacco soaked overnight in water.


Related Tags: bonsai, japan, growing, shimpaku juniper, smoke of teh volcano, juniper, repotted, foliage, extinct

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