Shimpaku Juniper

Description

The Shimpaku Juniper is a cherished evergreen conifer prized for its elegant foliage, dramatic deadwood features, and artistic flexibility. Native to Japan and widely adored in the bonsai world, this variety offers a compact growth habit, dense green needles, and exceptional trunk movement that make it ideal for shaping into stunning bonsai styles such as literati, cascade, or informal upright.

🌿 Key Features:

• Botanical Name: Juniperus chinensis ‘Shimpaku’

• Style: Ideal for bonsai training

• Foliage: Rich, dark green, compact scale-like needles

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

• Trunk & Deadwood: Naturally textured bark perfect for jin and shari techniques

• Light Requirements: Full sun for best color and growth

• Watering Needs: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; prefers well-draining soil

• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 4–9

🪴 Why You’ll Love It:

• Perfect for Bonsai Artistry: Its flexible branches and hardy nature allow for creative styling and wiring.

• Low Maintenance Beauty: Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and easy to care for.

• Year-Round Appeal: Evergreen foliage provides lush color throughout all seasons.

• Age Gracefully: With time, Shimpaku develops characterful bark and stunning deadwood, telling a story in every branch.

📏 Available Sizes:

• Pre-bonsai starter plants (4–6 inches)

• Trained bonsai (8–14 inches, various styles)

• Mature specimen (upon request)

🌱 Care Tips:

• Repot every 2–3 years in spring before new growth.

• Protect from harsh winter winds; provide shelter or mulch the pot base.

• Trim back new growth to maintain shape, but avoid heavy pruning all at once.