Bonsai is an art form that’s been around for thousands of years.
David Tweddle, who is specialist gardener at Capel Manor College, explains:
“Bonsai trees are special because they are alive and always changing, unlike a sculpture or painting which stays the same. It’s like working together with nature.”
The art of bonsai started in ancient China and was perfected in Japan. These tiny trees look just like bigger trees in nature.
To make a bonsai, gardeners trim the roots and shape the branches with wire. Tweedle says that bonsai trees live outside so they can go through the seasons. However, trees from other places might need protection from cold winter weather.
The word “bonsai” actually means “tray planting.” It comes from the way these trees grow in small pots. Gardeners shape them to look like old trees growing on a mountain side. Getting the size and shape right is very important.
Even though bonsai takes years to master, anyone can start learning. “It takes a long time to grow a bonsai, but enjoying the process is part of the fun,” Tweedle shares.
Bonsai can be made from many types of trees and shrubs.
Gardeners always try new kinds of plants. “Some trees work better than others, but trying new ones is part of the fun,” says Tweedle.
There’s no single best bonsai tree. It’s all about how much time and creativity you put into it. To start, Tweedle suggests joining a local bonsai club to learn the basics. But it’s also important to explore on your own and learn from mistakes.
Next, here are the 13 most popular bonsai trees you can try growing.
Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii)
Light: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Native to: Japan, Korea
This tree is a classic choice for bonsai because of its beautiful shape and attractive needles. It looks just like a larger pine tree.
The different colors of its leaves and bark make it very appealing.
Englemann Spruce (Picea englemannii)
Light: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 5
Native to: Western North America
Englemann spruce trees are great for bonsai.
They have short needles that look just right and flaky bark that makes them look old. This tree is shaped like a cylinder and its branches hang down.
Shimpaku Juniper (Juniperus chinensis var. Itoigawa)
Light: Full sun with some afternoon shade
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Native to: Japan
Often called the “King of Bonsai,” this juniper is famous for its curvy trunk and striking deadwood features. Found in 1910, it’s a favorite among collectors. The bonsai version of this tree captures its unique look perfectly.
Gingko (Gingko biloba)
Light: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Native to: China
Gingko trees are special because their fan-shaped leaves look amazing on both big trees and little bonsai trees.
What’s cool is that gingkos are called “living fossils.” They are the only trees left from a group of plants that lived on Earth about 150 million years ago.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea)
Light: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
Native to: South America
Bougainvillea can be grown as a colorful vine, in hanging baskets, or as an annual plant. It also makes a bright and beautiful bonsai. Its flowers are papery and can be purple or pink. This shows how bonsai can be a creative and flexible art form.
Satsuki Azalea (Rhododendron indicum ‘Satsuki’)
Light: Full morning sun, afternoon shade
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 9
Native to: Japan
Azaleas are also a favorite choice for bonsai because they look beautiful when they bloom. Satsuki azaleas, which are evergreen plants, have been grown in Japan for over 500 years. They are named after the “fifth month” because they bloom around 60 days after the spring equinox, which is in late May.
Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum)
Light: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Native to: China, Japan, Korea
The trident maple is special because it has three-pronged leaves, which make it interesting as a bonsai. Its leaves change to yellow, red, and orange in the fall, making it even more striking.
Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)
Light: Dappled shade
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7
Native to: Pacific Northwest
This beautiful tree is native to Portland and looks amazing as a bonsai. It needs careful cutting to shape its long, vine-like branches. Vine maples grow well near the shaded edges of forests and do not like being in full sunlight.
Willow Leaf Fig (Ficus neriifolia)
Light: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 and 11
Native to: Bhutan, Burma, China, India, and Nepal
This beautiful tree has smooth gray bark and tough leaves.
It needs a lot of warmth and humidity to grow well. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees, it doesn’t grow as fast.
Ginseng Ficus (Ficus microcarpa)
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
Native to: Asia
This tree has a thick trunk that looks like a ginseng root, which makes it very interesting as a bonsai. It has dark green leaves and big roots that show above the soil. It’s a popular choice for people who are just starting to learn bonsai.
European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
Light: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Native to: Europe, Asia
This tree has smooth gray bark and leaves with a nice texture, making it a popular bonsai. In the fall, its leaves turn yellow, which adds to its beauty.
Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
Light: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Native to: China
In gardens, Chinese wisteria is often avoided because it can grow too much and take over. But when grown in pots, it makes a lovely bonsai. In spring, it has pretty, hanging flowers that look like peas.
Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)
Light: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Native to: Japan, The Philippines
Not many people know about the Japanese snowbell tree, but it makes a stunning bonsai. It blooms with sweet-smelling, white, bell-shaped flowers in early summer. It looks wonderful when it’s flowering.