Outdoor Bonsai Trees

In this blog we are going to discuss deciduous bonsai. When thinking about what bonsai you would like, it is important to understand what they will look like when they are in leaf, and out of leaf. Most bonsai that live outdoors will lose their leaves during winter, there are a few evergreen outdoor varieties.

Larch / Larix

The Larch through its deciduous state loses all of its needles but it grows little cones. For the rest of the year they are filled with fresh green needles!

Oak

We usually have a few different varieties of Oak trees and they all drop their leaves during winter. In spring and summer the leaves are a lime green colour, changing into russet tones during autumn.

Maple

We also have a few different varieties of Maple which drop all of their leaves during the cold months. Maples can differ quite a lot in appearance. The English Field Maple and Japanese Red Maple are very different to each other. Most Japanese Maples display a range of colours throughout spring, summer and autumn whereas the Field Maple keeps their fresh, green leaves until they become a russet colour in autumn; then they drop them in winter.

Silver Birch

The Silver Birch displays serrated, vibrant green leaves during spring and summer, changing to a striking yellow in winter; then they drop them completely during winter.

Beech

Fresh green leaves float from the branches through spring and summer, turning yellow/orange/brown during autumn. Even though this is a deciduous bonsai, they tend to retain their leaves quite well into winter.

Cherry Blossom

The Cherry Blossom is one of our most sought after outdoor bonsai due to its gorgeous springtime flowers. The pretty pink blooms are accompanied by fresh green leaves. The flowers will drop and the leaves turn to russet tones before dropping for winter.

We have 10 Sweet Cherry Blossom (or Prunus avium) starter bonsai ready for their new homes!

These trees are 7 years old, they are roughly 50cm tall and will add gorgeous colour to your outdoor space. Additionally, the beautiful white, cup-shaped, flowers will bloom in April. Furthermore, the flowers develop into hairless deep-red cherries. Insects pollinate the flowers in order for the Cherries to grow.

In Highland folklore, wild Sweet Cherry had mysterious qualities.
Traditionally, cherries were planted for their fruit. Also, they were planted for their wood which was used for making cask hoops and vine poles. The sticky resin was thought to promote a good complexion and eyesight, and help to cure coughs. In modern day, Cherry wood makes decorative veneers and furniture. The wood is hard, strong and honey-coloured, and can be polished to a good, shiny brown. The wood burns well and produces a sweetly scented smoke, similar to the scent of its flowers.

Another key point, we offer FREE next working day delivery to most of the UK and Northern Ireland. We even deliver on weekends!
In addition to this, you will receive a copy of our Bonsai Direct Care Handbook when ordering this product.

Please feel free to send us an email if you have any questions regarding this product.

Outdoor bonsai are a wonderful way to add some colour to your outdoor space. Whether you have a tiled balcony in a block of flats that needs some greenery or acres of land you’d like to brighten up, we have an ever growing range of outdoor trees. Outdoor bonsai are mostly deciduous therefore they will enter a dormancy period during winter where they will drop all of their leaves.

Japanese Maple

The Japanese Maple or Acer Palmatum is one of our most popular outdoor species. We tend to have a few different variations of these trees with gorgeous colours and distinct leaf shape. These trees are ever changing through the seasons. With the Maples, we will see a range of colours from green, golds and oranges to fiery reds! Acers are easy bonsai to care for and are an excellent choice when adding a touch of nature to your garden.

Japanese Cherry Blossom

The Japanese Cherry Blossom or Prunus Incisa Kojo-No-Mai is another extremely sought after tree. We have always got a waitlist for these bonsai! Due to their late winter/early spring bloom, we usually sell the trees that are ready that year from January – March (they’re out of stock by that time). These captivating bonsai have zigzag shaped branches which display pale pink/white flowers which blossom from crimson buds, their foliage turns to striking orange, gold and red colours during autumn.
Kojo No Mai actually means “flight of the butterfly ” which is very fitting as the flowers look like butterflies in the wind when they drop.

Japanese Mountain Pine

The Mountain Pine or Pinus Mugo is native to Europe, where it is typically found growing in the mountains. These bonsai are full of character through there interesting trunks, they are very powerful trees which are actually associated with masculinity. The “candles” of growth form fresh green needles. In many cultures, the Pine is viewed as honourable, strong and wise.

Chinese Juniper

The Juniper or Juniperus Chineseus are native to Europe, Asia and North America and are popular due to being easy to care for. These trees have needle-like foliage which is usually dark green but they tend to display a steel blue colour too. Junipers are steady growing trees and have a natural downward growth habit.

European Larch

The European Larch or Larix are part of the tall coniferous family; this variety is deciduous unlike most coniferous trees. They have quickly thickening trunks which display beautiful texture! The canopy consists of fresh needles which are a stunning yellow colour during autumn. This variety is extremely hardy through winter and exhibits lovely budding in spring.

We have many more varieties which we can talk about in another post. You can find them here ranging from £29.99 to over £10,000.

Starter bonsai for your outdoor space!
Are you looking to add some new colour to your outdoor space? Maybe you’re an avid bonsai lover who would like to grow their own tree..

We have just added a selection of fantastic outdoor starter bonsai to our website. Outdoor bonsai are hardy trees that are extremely fun to grow whilst adding wonderful colour to your garden, balcony or outdoor space.

Here’s an introduction to a few of the species we have currently;

The Silver Birch (Betula pendula)

This is a common tree, with its silver-white bark, and is favoured by gardeners who want to renew and ‘purify’ their land for year ahead. Another key point, in April to May the tree will grow male and female flowers. Male catkins are long and yellow-brown in colour, and hang in groups of two to four at the tips of shoots; often referred to as lambs’ tails. Compared to the Male, female catkins are smaller, short, bright green and erect. Once the female catkins have been pollinated by wind, they thicken and change colour to a dark crimson. 
In Celtic mythology, the birch symbolised renewal and purification.

The Beech (Fagus Sylvatica)

This species is known as the queen of British trees. To walk beneath the leafy canopy, its cathedral-like branches tapering upwards, is an uplifting experience. During April and May, the tassel-like male catkins hang from long stalks at the end of twigs. The female flowers grow in pairs, surrounded by a cup. When the cup has been pollinated (by wind) it becomes woody, and encloses one or two beech nuts (known as beechmast).
In Celtic mythology, Fagus was the god of beech trees.

The Sycamore (Acer Pseudoplatanus)

Sycamore trees date back to the 1500s. Since then, it’s colonised woodland has become a source of food and shelter for wildlife. They do grow small, green-yellow flowers that hang in spikes, or ‘racemes’. Once these fruits have been pollinated by wind and insects, female flowers develop into distinctive winged fruits known as samaras.
In Wales, Sycamore trees were used in the traditional craft of making ‘love spoons’, decoratively carved wooden spoons given as a romantic gesture. Here in the UK, we tend to know the winged seeds as ‘helicopters’.

The Hazel (Corylus Avellana)

Hazel is one of the most resourceful trees, known for its bendy stems and for being a conservation saviour. Additionally, the nuts are loved by many including us humans, squirrels and hazel dormice. Hazel trees do grow flowers which must be pollinated by pollen from other hazel trees. In mid-February, male catkins appear before the leaves and hang in clusters of yellow. The female flowers are red, petite and bud-like. The female flowers (once pollinated by wind) develop into oval fruits which hang in groups of one to four. They will then mature into a nut with a woody shell.
In addition to the above, the Hazel has a reputation as a magical tree. A hazel rod is said to protect against evil spirits. In England, hazelnuts were carried as charms and/or held to ward off rheumatism. In Ireland, hazel was known as the ‘Tree of Knowledge’, and in medieval times it was a symbol of fertility.

We have a few more types of outdoor trees ready to be grown on in your outdoor space, if you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email or DM us on Facebook or Instagram!

Finally, take a look at these starter bonsai for your outdoor space!

Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Bonsai –
A real Bonsai tree with the most sensational pale -pink blossom.

Bonsai Tree Meaning | Tree Symbolism: fragility, the beauty of life, good fortune and future happiness

Flowering Cherry Blossom Bonsai tree (Prunus Incisa Kojo-no-mai) is the most popular real bonsai bonsai for sale in the UK. An extremely beautiful deciduous bonsai type. In Japan, they are highly regarded as the most ornamental species. They are most renowned for their pale pink / white flowers which blossom from crimson buds before leaves emerge from the zig zag branches in the spring. They also display striking orange, red and gold autumnal foliage colours. Rich colours from the autumnal cherry fruits are another wonderful attribute of this species.

Cherry Blossom trees are also known as Fuji Cherry Bonsai.

Fuji Cherry Bonsai are from the “Rosacea” family which developed it’s name from the incised leaves. It is arguably the best flowering bonsai tree!

Descended from the mountainous Fuji Cherry of Japan, these trees are full of Japanese history. The understanding of the Cherry Blossom tree in Japanese culture goes back hundreds of years. In Japan, the Cherry Blossom displays the fragility and the beauty of life. They make a perfect gift for family and friends.
“Kojo No Mai” actually means “flight of the butterflies” which is very apt for this tree as when the flowers begin to drop they look like butterflies floating in the wind.

I love the Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom tree. It is a beautiful outdoor bonsai species which will enhance any garden, patio or decking. With constantly changing beauty the cherry blossom has so much to admire.

A Sensational Bonsai with a beautiful meaning – Fragility, The Beauty of Life, Good Fortune and Future Happiness.

Japanese Cherry Blossoms, in general, symbolise the transient beauty and fleeting nature of life. It’s like a reminder that beautiful moments can be fleeting, but that doesn’t make them any less precious. And ‘Kojo no mai’ takes that symbolism even further.

The zigzag branches of ‘Kojo no mai’ represent the twists and turns we all encounter in life’s journey. The stunning leaves and blossoms remind us to appreciate the small, simple things in life – those moments that might seem insignificant but hold so much beauty and wonder.

When The Cherry Tree blooms, it’s like a celebration of the moments of joy and true beauty. These bonsai tree prefer a bright position and a fully hardy.

The Perfect Flowering Gift Idea

What could be better than gifting a Cherry Blossom Bonsai tree. With its stunning flowers, fruits and leaves and wonderful symbolism of good fortune and future happiness. Bonsai Direct offers FREE next working day delivery to most of the UK and you can choose the delivery date on the calendar at the checkout. An exquisite bonsai choice which would make a unique and unusual gift idea for him or her. We also offer AM deliveries and deliver on both Saturdays and Sundays for the ultimate convenience. You can also add a complimentary greetings message at the checkout.

The Chinese Juniper is a very hardy coniferous evergreen tree. The small purple berries/fruits which may be used in cooking, medicine or rituals. The berries are in fact tiny fleshy cones. They can be crushed and ground for use, as you would do with a peppercorn, as well as pressed for any juice. More latterly the berries are used as a flavouring in gin.

The trunks of Junipers are often naturally contorted and twisted thus lending themselves beautifully to the art of bonsai. The leaves take the form of needles of a deep green colour sometimes with a bluish-tinge. Hence it is often known in folk tradition as the needle yew. The berries usually take two to three years to fully ripen, so it is common to see both the bluish-black ripe berries alongside very green and under-ripe ones on the same bush. When fully ripe, the berries are about the size of a pea and have an aromatic resiny scent which is fresh and woody. You will often find the berries used in the perfume industry.

In short the attributes of the Juniper tree are numerous. It is is a much-loved evergreen that brightens up the winter months. They make awesome bonsai due to their beautiful and naturally artistic structure, evergreen needles, purple berries and flaky red bark and fresh fragrance. They prefer to grow on the drier side so are easier to care for and thrive in full sun.

Mythology and symbolism behind the Chinese Juniper

In some areas, juniper is considered to be a deterrent against the Devil and witches. It was hung over doorways on the eve of May Day and burnt on Halloween to ward off evil spirits. It was said that you would prosper if you dreamed of gathering juniper berries in winter, and the berries themselves signified honour or the birth of a boy.

• Purification – In many cultures, the presence of a Juniper tree represents the cleansing and purification of those around it.
• Protection – The Juniper tree is a symbol of protection and is known to ward off evil spirits.
• Power – The Juniper tree is a symbol of power and strength. It represents the ability to overcome life’s challenges which we feel makes this bonsai a sensational gift.

If you are struggling to choice a bonsai and fancy a touch of the Mr Miyagi then you simply cannot go wrong with the all time favourite – the Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)