Bountiful bonsai _ create instant indoor container gardens with edible fruits, herbs and flowers ( PDFDrive )

ul Bonsai Possibilities 49 Top: This variegated pink lemon has been in training for a couple years. The forty-eight-inch specimen began as a five gallon nursery stock plant. Bottom: This pink lemon was variegated before turning ripe. New flower buds can be seen developing on a lower branch.

50 B O U N T I F U L them to nurseries all over the cou tions. Most lemons sold in nurseri rootstocks that actually make for a while also keeping the lemon tree gr standard tree. Traditional bonsai art ed trees, but we are breaking new g have thick trunks and nice large ex the character of the bonsai. New s sprout from below the graft. These growth and should be removed when ing from the appearance of the bon strength from the desirable lemon- need bright light, and benefit from conditions don’t provide enough n during the summer. All of my citrus looks healthier when grown outside fertilizer can help the lemon tree sta A natural source of acidity, which replacement for acid fertilizer—is s surface of the their soil. When ripe, long time to be picked when needed wonderfully fragrant, the myriad us the most desirable of all the edible lemons are comparatively easy to gr Dwarf lime (Citrus aurantifolia) Pe ons, are found everywhere in ma especially as an ornamental widel Bearss seedless lime. The Key lim small round lime with intense flav desirable for use in cooking and m lime trees are often grafted, but stro

L BONSAI untry as part of their citrus collec- ies are grafted onto vigorous citrus stronger plant that is easy to grow, rowing as a dwarf rather than a large tists may be horrified at using graft- ground here; most citrus rootstocks xposed roots that can add greatly to shoots or “suckers” will sometimes e will look different from the upper never they are seen. Besides detract- nsai, they will grow quickly, sapping -producing part of the tree. Lemons m extra artificial lighting if winter natural sunlight; they thrive outside s here in Colorado grows better and e in the summer. A good dose of acid ay healthy and produce a lot of fruit. citrus seem to love—though not a some coffee grounds thrown on the , lemons can be left on the tree for a d. Along with the flowers, which are ses of fresh lemons make this one of bonsai. Given the right conditions, row and can be quite productive. rsian limes, similar in size to lem- arkets. The most common variety, ly available in nurseries, is called me, also called a Mexican lime, is a vor that is well known and highly making beverages. Commercial Key ong trees can be grown from a seed

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu out of a store-bought Key lime. rough-skinned lime that is prim seem to fruit well when cultivat medicine and as a culinary spic Most people are unaware that gr left on the tree long enough, lime color in the juice and pulp and the above-mentioned varieties ar and growth are essentially the s limes, which have small leaves, c traditional bonsai. Limes are easy make a great addition to any citr Dwarf Pomegranate (Punica gra is a pretty shrub with small leaves at other times of year with striki develop fruit that average two to and not as juicy as standard full Standard pomegranates, which a large leaves and go dormant thr can have spectacular flowers and suitable for bonsai cultivation as t are fairly easy to find in well-stock prominent component of indoor tions. Dwarf pomegranates will s kept in a warm environment. Ex will cause them to go dormant a “fall color” in the foliage and dr warmth, however, they will sprou dwarf pomegranite is a good choi edible bonsai, as they are easy to grower by producing flowers as w

ul Bonsai Possibilities 51 Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) is a small marily grown for its leaves; it doesn’t ted indoors. Lime leaves are used as ce in many Southeast Asian cuisines. reen limes are not completely ripe. If es will turn yellow, retaining the green growing sweeter as they ripen. All of re easy to find, and details of their care same as for lemon trees. Smaller Key can make a bonsai similar in scale to y to grow, can be very productive, and rus bonsai collection. anatum var. nana) Dwarf pomegranate s. It flowers profusely in the spring and ing orange to red flowers. The plants three inches in diameter; while small l-sized pomegranates, they are edible. are not as easy to grow indoors, have rough the winter, even indoors. They produce full-sized fruit, but are not as the dwarf variety. Dwarf pomegranates ked garden centers, and are generally a bonsai collections at these retail loca- stay evergreen and flower often when xposure to temperatures near freezing at least briefly, showing bright yellow ropping all the leaves. With renewed ut new green growth very quickly. The ice for anyone wishing to start growing o find and grow. They will reward the well as fruit almost immediately.

52 B O U N T I F U L This dwarf pomegranate, started from a five-gallon nursery stock plant, has been in training for a year and seven months. It is forty-two inches tall. Edible Figs (Ficus carica) Edible fig cradle of civilization; they have been recorded history, and were likely cultivated. Fossilized figs have been from before 9000 BCE, and figs are They hold a special place in the long been considered a romantic, e There are many ornamental fig spe benjamina, which is widely used

L BONSAI This close-up shows a nearly ripe dwarf pomegranate and a flower bud. gs are native to the Middle East, the n grown as a diet staple since before the first plant to be intentionally n found in Neolithic villages dated e mentioned in the oldest literature. history of food culture and have even erotic food to serve to a lover. ecies, including the common Ficus for indoor landscaping and easily

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu available everywhere. These shiny also make nice bonsai, but they d have very large, dull leaves that a in the winter, even when kept can survive quite cold temperat of edible figs has given rise to e survive cold winters and bear fr tree with a mulch-filled cage; or of the tree, severing half the ro the entire tree down into the t seems much easier to just grow t protected space during the winte however, and will need yearly pru your available space. One of the large patio tree, grown outside th to a protected space such as a po while dormant in winter. Figs to at this time, and take up less spa off. Edible figs thrive in hot wea enough water, it will be happier brightest window. Figs need a lo fruit, and will benefit from as l is nearly impossible to overwat drainage; the fruit will not be as between watering times. They ca and will still be producing when are probably thousands of differ everywhere in the world that th I’ve grown seem to be pretty s appearance. The difference is pri variety is large, with a dark purpl mature much later than many ot

ul Bonsai Possibilities 53 y-leaved evergreen ornamental figs can don’t produce edible fruit. Edible figs are hairy underneath; they go dormant t in the greenhouse. Some cultivars tures when dormant. The desirability elaborate strategies for helping them uit afterward: surrounding the entire r digging a trench out from one side oots on the opposite side, and laying trench to be covered with mulch. It the fig in a large pot and move it to a er. Edible fig trees can grow very large, uning to keep the size manageable for best ways to train a fig bonsai is as a hrough the summer season and moved orch, garage, basement, or spare room olerate temperatures down to freezing ace after the large leaves have dropped ather. As long as your fig bonsai gets r outside in the summer than in the ot of water, especially when producing large a pot as you can give them. It ter an edible fig in a pot with good juicy if the tree is allowed to dry out an start bearing figs by mid-summer n the leaves drop for the winter. There rent fig cultivars, and they are grown e local climate permits. The varieties imilar in growth habits and general marily in the fruit. The Brown Turkey lish-brown color when ripe. These figs ther varieties and can often be found

54 B O U N T I F U L fresh in produce departments of good grocery stores when in season. Kadota is a white- or green-skinned fig with amber to salmon-colored flesh; it can produce from early summer into the fall. I found a similar variety called White Texan in Austin, Texas, but with a whitish blush to the fruit and a pale amber flesh. The Peter’s Honey Fig is a yellowish-green fig with light golden-yellow flesh. When I was selling edible bonsai at the local farmer’s market, the fig trees attracted more attention than citrus with ripe fruit. People would spot them from across the market and make a beeline for my display. When they saw that dramatic fig bonsai full of fruit, they inevitably wanted one of their own. Figs grow vigorously and can send out more than three feet of new growth in a single growing season if not pinched back. It should be noted, however, that pinching can delay or reduce fig production. Woody sections with at least two leaf nodes pruned from a mature tree can

L BONSAI Top: This Celeste edible fig is still in a plastic training pot after two years of training. This specimen is fifty inches tall from the surface of the soil. Bottom: Close-up of a fig on the Celeste tree.

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu be readily rooted by dipping o planting in a light potting soil. will often bear figs their first su you may decide to keep them moveable pots. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) Ther of eucalyptus, mostly native to A one to five hundred species curre eucalyptus hybridizes easily and h in both leaves and bark, yet man and are hard to differentiate. Flo have never bloomed indoors. Th called peppermint willow (Eucaly leaves that emit a strong peppe large, hairy, teardrop-shaped leav citriodora), the source of citrone in their essential oils; my specim exposed roots. Eucalyptus oils, and flavorings, are collected by b essential oils. Used in cough drop eucalyptus has a soothing effect leaves can be boiled uncovered o as a room humidifier. Eucalyptus planet. The wood is very hard wh in many kinds of construction, a that there is much interest in biomass production of fuels. Beca trees have even been used in m harboring malarial mosquitoes. T be watered heavily and frequently edible, it makes an interesting ad

ul Bonsai Possibilities 55 one end into rooting hormones and Young plants make a great gift and ummer. Of course, if you get several, all and create your own orchard in re are well over five hundred species Australia; various sources report from ntly growing in California. Apparently has a widely varying general appearance ny species closely resemble each other wers can be showy, but my specimens he main variety I’ve grown as bonsai, yptus nicholii), has narrow gray-green ermint fragrance when crushed. The ves of the lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia ella, have a strong lemon component mens have developed elaborate twisted widely used in medicines, perfumes, boiling the leaves in water to distill the ps, decongestants, and other medicines, t on the respiratory system, and the on the stove to create a soothing steam s is perhaps the most useful tree on the hen dry and has been used extensively as well as for fuel. It grows so quickly using various eucalyptus species for ause they use a lot of water, eucalyptus mass plantings to drain swampy areas They need well-drained soil and should y. While eucalyptus is more useful than ddition to any bonsai collection.

56 B O U N T I F U L Top: Green tea flowers are smaller than other camellias, but they are beautiful and prolific. Bottom: This sixteen-inch green tea bonsai was shipped to me as a six- inch tall rooted cutting. I allowed several new shoots to develop to balance the strong flowing movement of the main stem, as well as to produce more foliage for harvesting.

L BONSAI Green tea (Camellia sinensis) Camellias, widely grown ornamental trees native to Southeast Asia that have long been prized for their showy flowers, were often featured in ancient Chinese paintings. After being introduced to England in the mid- eighteenth century, they became the most prized luxury flower in Europe until commercial orchids arrived on the scene. Several species of camellias are grown for their flowers, their seed oils, and the tea made from the leaves. The most significant, of course, is the green tea bush (Camellia sinensis) responsible for the drink that rivals coffee as the preeminent hot beverage around the world. White, green, and black teas are all produced from the same leaves by using different curing techniques. The finest teas are made from the tender new growth picked every couple of weeks, although I save every leaf when I prune my tea bushes. Ornamental camellias are known for having large, showy flowers that bloom in the dead of winter in Europe and North

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu America, which may explain the has small but pretty flowers less t petals surrounding the camellia’s yellow stamens. Ornamental cam midwinter, but the green tea pla bloom all winter long. Preferri with frequent watering and brigh shaped into attractive tabletop-siz Its useful harvest makes for a uni Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) as an ornamental shrub, and is e nurseries everywhere. It has large large, spectacular flowers in many added to salads and are used for t color, flavor, and vitamins whenev are also used in shampoos and o saving flowers from a good-sized h of useful material. Roselle (Hibisc widely used for consumption aro preparations. It is the fleshy calyx als, rather than the petals thems of hot and cold beverages. Roselle but the seeds are available from so hibiscus plants are easy to grow a can be found in nearly every plan varieties better suited to bonsai, a iegated foliage and small flowers t sai specimen. Hibiscus bonsai thr ample water. They can get large, beautiful and useful flowers.

ul Bonsai Possibilities 57 eir popularity. The green tea plant than two inches across, with white ’s trademark showy cluster of big mellias usually just bloom once, in ants in my house and greenhouse ing an acidic, well-drained soil, ht light, the green tea plant can be zed bonsai that flowers frequently. ique homegrown treat. Tropical hibiscus is widely grown easy to find in garden centers and e, shiny leaves and is known for its y colors. The edible flowers can be teas and other drinks, contributing ver they are used. Hibiscus flowers other hair treatments. Drying and hibiscus bonsai can produce plenty cus sabdariffa) is the species most ound the world and in commercial x that surrounds and holds the pet- selves, that is used in many kinds e is not easy to find in plant form, ome specialty companies. Tropical and shape as attractive bonsai, and nt shop. There are some miniature nd at least one miniature with var- that can make a very striking bon- rive with rich soil, bright light, and , but will reward the grower with

58 B O U N T I F U L Hot peppers (Capsicum sp.) The be in gardens and markets everywhe species—C. annuum, C. frutescen C. baccatum. Peppers are native t worldwide and now constitute an i in many countries. Almost every ga consider that they can be more th grow as a woody shrub that will l peppers continually, even in winte available in flower shops everywher their dwarf stature and small leave bonsai without much pruning. M dwarf varieties, but still make ni check. Which variety is best depen preference than the plant’s dwarf ch of them, including jalapeno, habane red spicy pepper called Apache that a pepper in a pot, planted it in the dug it back up for a second winter on the plant than just keeping it in of a pepper bush gets leggy and dro the bush can be pruned dramatical and flower again very quickly. The to thrive is warm temperatures. I in my winter greenhouse, closer t advantage of the warmth up there will survive the winter in a bright su heat and additional light of a well-p plant light. Rich potting soil and fr pepper plants happy and productive tendency to attract insects, especia under indoor conditions. The best w

L BONSAI wildering variety of peppers found ere are cultivated from five basic ns, C. chinense, C. pubescens, and to the Americas, but have spread important part of the local cuisine ardener has grown peppers, but few han summer annuals. Peppers can live for several years and produce er. The small ornamental peppers re are an obvious choice for bonsai; es and fruit almost create a natural Many hot culinary peppers are not ice bonsai if pruned and kept in nds more on the grower’s culinary haracteristics. I’ve grown a number ero, kung pao, cayenne, and a small t’s a new favorite. I’ve even wintered ground the following summer, and r in a pot—although this is harder n a container full time. If the crown oops, and doesn’t have great shape, lly to thick wood and it will sprout main requirement for hot peppers place them on an overhead shelf o the peak than the floor, to take e when the sun is shining. Peppers unny window, and benefit from the placed spotlight-type full-spectrum requent fertilization will keep your e. One problem with peppers is their ally aphids, which tend to flourish way to deal with an infestation is to

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu wash the plant with a high-pressu soapy water to suffocate any inse Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) tree native to Brazil. Its attracti salmon-colored new growth, w have contributed to its recent po indoor bonsai subject. A distinct two-inch purple-black fruits rese short stems directly off the trunk eaten fresh right off the tree, and more common to see them proc other foods than available fresh grows slowly and will take some t six to twenty years, according to various authorities. The specimen I’ve been training for five years has yet to flower. Jaboticaba is a graceful tree with delicate foliage that can make a beautiful classic bonsai, whether it fruits or not. A heavier soil full of mulch that can hold moisture is best for these water-loving trees. They are often flooded for weeks in their native habitat, and prefer a moist soil with frequent watering. The only problem I’ve observed with my jaboticaba bonsai is damage to the foliage if it dries out too much between watering periods.

ul Bonsai Possibilities 59 ure water spray and then spray it with ects that have survived the washing. ) Jaboticaba is a small, slow-growing ive two-toned peeling bark and pale which turns into light-green leaves, opularity and availability for use as an tive feature of jaboticaba is the one- to embling large grapes that form on very k and main branches. These fruits are do not keep long after picking. It is far cessed into jams, wines, liqueurs, and h, except in local markets. Jaboticaba time to produce fruit—anywhere from This forty-one-inch jaboticaba started as a small tree shipped to me in a six-inch pot. It has been in training for five years.

60 B O U N T I F U L Jasmine (Jasminum sp.) A number o mentally and commercially for thei mine (Jasminum nitidum) is a mediu produces an abundance of fragrant that pop out of purple buds. Though bloomer, my twenty-year-old specim Year every winter, and has more day given year. The fragrance of this speci but my large-crowned six-foot speci living room when it is blooming fre jasminoides) is a dwarf evergreen vi with clusters of tubular five-petaled fl scent. The fast-growing vine requires nice trunk to make a beautiful small- jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is the and aromatherapy since the beginnin native source is unknown. Summer-b spread in cultivation everywhere it w sambac) is the source of jasmine flav are mixed with dried tea leaves, whic flowers. The flowers are often remov steeped all together. Tea jasmine gro not a vigorous plant with fast-growi blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturn potato family. It has an intensely swe ple to have a strong allergic reaction edly toxic, and internal consumptio large shrub with long leaves, night-b as a classic bonsai, but the intense f dusk makes it an interesting plant to varieties should be readily available and tea jasmines are best suited for c

L BONSAI of jasmine species are grown orna- ir fragrant flowers. Angel-wing jas- um-sized shrubby evergreen vine that two-inch white pinwheel blossoms jasmine is supposed to be a summer men blooms at Christmas and New ys with flowers than without in any ies is less intense than other varieties, imen can be smelled throughout my eely. Star jasmine (Trachelospermum ine that blooms heavily once a year, flowers that give off a strong jasmine s regular pruning, but will develop a - to medium-sized bonsai. Common e classic jasmine used for perfumes ngs of recorded history; the original blooming and often deciduous, it has will survive. Tea jasmine (Jasminum vor in jasmine teas. The fresh flowers ch absorb moisture and oils from the ved, but can be left in the dry tea and ows as a medium-sized shrub, and is ing vines like other jasmines. Night- num) is a member of the unrelated eet odor which may cause some peo- and difficulty breathing. It is report- on is definitely not recommended. A blooming jasmine is difficult to shape fragrance when the flowers open at o grow. All of the above-mentioned in local nurseries. Angel-wing, star, cultivation as indoor bonsai. I’ve had

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu angel-wing and star jasmine bon years with good results. The star and trunk structure and filled th bloomed. My twenty-plus-year-ol plant that fills a four-by-six-foot w ing a bold statement when people blooming. It blooms heavily seve flowers to use in tea and even to jasmine-flower wine. Jasmines ne grow, and the flowers are very re regular pruning. Any new shoots ground should be removed to kee than a multi-stemmed bush. Kumquat (Fortunella sp.) While s as Citrus japonica, most consider citrus. Kumquats, the smallest ci long. They have smaller leaves th ing them ideal candidates for bon produce markets in late fall and e varieties; the oval nagami variety tal and for the fruit market. Kumq and are mostly eaten fresh in the nish with food or drinks. Fresh like citrus zest in many dishes. T marmalade or preserved by cann is small, kumquats can flower an specimen can produce dozens o are well suited to growing in cont of humus that holds moisture we along streams where the soil stays lar watering than other citrus, esp

ul Bonsai Possibilities 61 nsai in training for more than twenty jasmine developed an interesting bark he entire house with fragrance when it ld angel-wing jasmine bonsai is a large west window in my living room, mak- e enter my home, especially when it is eral times a year and produces enough o make a small vintage of two cases of eed bright light, but are easy plants to ewarding. The vining varieties require s that emerge from the trunk, roots, or ep the plant looking like a bonsai rather some authorities classify the kumquat r it to be a separate genus from other itrus fruit, are only one or two inches han large-fruited citrus varieties, mak- nsai. Fresh kumquats can be found in early winter. There are round and oval is most widely grown as an ornamen- quats have a sweet peel and sour flesh, eir entirety. They are served as a gar- kumquats may be chopped and used They also can be made into a unique ning in sugar syrup. Although the fruit d fruit heavily, and a medium to large or even hundreds of fruits. Kumquats tainers. They do best in a rich soil full ell, as their natural habitat in China is s damp. Kumquats require more regu- pecially if restrained in a small bonsai

62 B O U N T I F U L This kumquat, which began as a two-gallon nursery plant, has been in training for less than a year. pot. They are more cold-tolerant th below freezing, and are suited for gr side in milder climates. Most kumq which can produce a thick trunk lend an aged character to the spec quats are also available that are easy gated kumquat bonsai, full of fruit, any bonsai show. Lavender (Lavendula sp.) English la grown lavender used commercially, go dormant, and is not really suitable (L. stoechas) is a dwarf perennial shr and large pink to purple flower spik species of the group for bonsai, it is

L BONSAI These kumquats will turn orange when ripe. han other citrus, including periods rowing as a larger patio bonsai out- quats sold in nurseries are grafted, and impressive exposed roots that imen. Spectacular variegated kum- y to train as indoor bonsai. A varie- would be the center of attention at avender (L. angustifolia), the widely is a cold-hardy species that needs to e to grow as bonsai. Spanish lavender rub with attractive gray-green foliage kes. While this is the most attractive fussy and not as long-lived as other

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu lavenders. French lavender (L. den more open growth habit, distingu its silvery green foliage. The leaves different from that of traditional E commercially, French lavender ca for potpourri, fresh aromatherapy, oldest homemade wine in my cella 1986. This is the best species to g grows into a nice upright shape, a of a mature lavender plant can bec too many growing shoots and old that has turned brown or black. Th ing, or the bonsai can be cut back sprout quickly into a new crown. can be found in the herb section o grow rapidly into a small- to med can be planted in the garden in growing season before being dug u technique can produce a dramati period of time. French lavender is ing temperatures. It likes well-dra out between waterings, although herbs, it does best under full sun French lavender also benefits fro indoors under low light condition Lemon guava (Psidium littorale) evergreen tree with attractive p which have white flesh, small seed fresh, used in cooking, and made i dried and used for tea in some ar summer and bear ripe fruit by Au

ul Bonsai Possibilities 63 ntate) is a woody upright shrub with a uished by the sharply toothed edges of s have a strong fragrance that is slightly English lavender. While not often used an be used like other lavenders. I use it y, and as an added fragrance in teas. The ar is actually French lavender wine from grow as bonsai because it is long-lived, and can flower all year long. The crown come quite thick and droopy, with way der foliage in the interior of the crown This can be prevented with regular prun- dramatically to solid wood, which will The small French lavender plants that of most well-stocked garden centers will dium-sized bonsai. Small herbs like this the spring and field-grown through a up in the fall and pruned strongly. This ic bonsai with a thick trunk in a short s very tender and will not tolerate freez- ained soil and should be allowed to dry not to the point of wilting. Like most outside and a bright window indoors. om additional artificial lighting if kept ns during the winter. Lemon guava is a small, fast-growing peeling bark. Its golf-ball-sized fruits, ds, and yellow skin when ripe, are eaten into juice, jams, and jelly. The leaves are reas. Guavas flower in spring and early ugust. That fall crop is the heaviest, but

64 B O U N T I F U L sparser flowers and fruit emerge at other times of the year. A lem- on guava can get big for a house- plant, and is best trained as a six- to eight-foot specimen. Even at this size, it may occasionally need a severe pruning to keep it at a manageable size. I’ve pruned out-of-control specimens down to two-inch-diameter branch and trunk stumps, which immediate- ly sprouted many shoots that with frequent pinching created a full crown. Guavas like well-drained soil, but will use plenty of water. The growing tips will quickly start to droop when the plant gets dry, and this is a reliable indicator of when to water. Of course, like any fruit-bearing tree, its fruits will taste best if ample water is given as they are growing. The lemon guava is relatively easy to grow and can produce unique and tasty fruit every year under good con- ditions. These fast-growing bon- sai do best in a larger pot. Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla, also A. citriodora) Some authorities put this plant, which is native to South America, in

L BONSAI Top: This lemon guava is still in a training pot six months after being dug up and cut back from an old plant that had rooted though its pot and into the ground. This specimen is eighty-four inches tall. Bottom: A close-up view of ripe golf- ball-sized lemon guavas.

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu the genus Lippia. Lemon verben develops attractive gray furrowe light-green leaves can go deciduo for a period if subjected to cold shocks. Spikes of small white flo early summer. Lemon verbena is strongest, cleanest lemon fragran Just brushing the leaves will rele fill a room. Lemon verbena has e meat (fish and poultry) dishes a also very good blended with herb can be used anywhere lemon fl have stronger flavor than dried are strong antioxidants, and have fragrances and other cosmetics. It and lemon verbena tea has long relaxing effects on the body. Lem and can grow very quickly in s of leaves for household use. Thi around the house and kitchen th and is well worth growing as an e gone dormant several times and that sprouts a new strong trunk. tabletop size or allowed to grow i tall. The top may die back dram vigorous new growth can quickly need bright light, warm tempera and will take plenty of water w flies, spider mites, and similar p indoor infestations may become sprays, moving the specimen outd growing tips, and washing with

ul Bonsai Possibilities 65 na is a fast-growing woody shrub that d bark with age. Its narrow, pointed, ous, and the plant will remain dormant d temperatures near freezing or other owers erupt from lilac-colored buds in generally acknowledged as having the nce of any of the lemon-scented herbs. ease an intense lemon odor that can extensive culinary uses, from flavoring and sauces to sorbets and drinks; it is bal or black teas. Fresh or dried leaves lavor is desired, though fresh leaves ones. The essential oils in this plant e been used medicinally as well as in ts scent has aromatherapeutic qualities, g been renowned for its soothing and mon verbena likes warm temperatures suitable conditions, producing plenty is herb may have more potential uses han any other species discussed here, edible bonsai. My oldest specimen has has sometimes died back to a stump Lemon verbena can be kept to a nice into a medium-sized tree up to six feet matically if the tree goes dormant, but y create a new crown. Lemon verbenas atures, and well-drained soil to thrive, when actively growing. Aphids, white pests are attracted to this plant, and e serious. In addition to regular soap doors, trimming away heavily infected high-pressure water sprays can take

66 B O U N T I F U L care of the problem. Strong insectici whose leaves will be consumed. Limequats (Citrus × japonica) Limeq and kumquats; the several varieties oval kumquats. One called Lakeland creating a small, slightly oval fruit, sm than other crosses. In my experienc a Margarita limequat, is a more vigo the size of a small egg that turn brigh The perfect shape of this limequat has been sacrificed to maximize fruit production. The seventy-six-inch specimen now has nearly a hundred green fruits just beginning to ripen. Purchased as a six-foot-tall tree, it has been in training for five years.

L BONSAI ides should not be used on any plant quats are a cross between Key limes result from crosses with round and d is crossed with a round kumquat, maller leaves, and a more dwarf habit ce, the oval cross, sometimes called orous grower, with oval fruit nearly ht yellow when ripe. Limequats have Six weeks after the picture at left was taken, most of the fruit on this limequat bonsai have turned ripe and are ready to use. Ripe citrus always makes a striking specimen.

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu edible skin and lime-flavored green pulp and juice. Except for the seeds, limequats can be eaten whole, made into marmalade or wine, and added to many dishes or drinks in the kitchen. I love to slice or chop them and add them to eggs or any meat or vegetable dish. Limequat bushes and fruits can exceed those of the parent species in size, and consistently produce more fruit by weight than any other citrus I’ve grown. The flowers have a nice citrus fragrance. Limequats are an easy larger specimen from five to eigh a little below freezing if grown ou Soil should be well drained and waterings. Regular watering and f and productivity of your limequ to use in the kitchen. Limequat pollinating, but they can be susce bugs, which are best removed with Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Loqu native to China, with a small fruit fresh, canned, and cooked into jam popular and widely grown for the duced all over the world, and the cultivars with wide variations in fr to two inches in diameter, growing and have a central core of large s

ul Bonsai Possibilities 67 A limequat cluster seen close up. y citrus to grow as bonsai, making a ht feet tall. They tolerate temperatures utside as a patio tree in mild climates. d allowed to dry out slightly between fertilizing will contribute to the health uat bonsai, providing a generous crop ts are generally trouble-free and self- eptible to infestations by scale or mealy h high-pressure sprays or alcohol swabs. uats are a member of the rose family similar to an apple. The fruits are eaten ms, wines, and desserts. Loquats are very eir fruits in Asia. They have been intro- ere are hundreds, if not thousands, of ruit shape and color. The fruits are one g in clusters; they turn yellow when ripe seeds. The loquat has thick, dark-green

68 B O U N T I F U L Though this fifty-five-inch loquat has not yet produced fruit in its five years of training, it is a graceful specimen. Myrtle-leaved orange (Citrus my described as just a cultivar of C. aur oranges like the Seville, the myrtle-l be considered a separate species. Wi habit and tiny myrtle-shaped leave is the most dwarf type of citrus I’ create a classic bonsai just a coup have a loose rind and are quite sou When ripe, the fruits will hang fo going bad, so they can be left to ad picked when needed. Introduced to

L BONSAI leaves up to twelve inches long, with serrated edges and a rusty red hairi- ness on the underside that provides a striking contrast. The leaves form a whorled pinwheel at the branch tips, creating a unique appearance. The white flowers are quite fragrant, with a sweet smell. I trained a fetch- ing specimen for six years and finally sold it to a client before it ever fruit- ed for me. A loquat is best cultivated as a larger bonsai specimen because of the large leaves, and may need several years of pruning to fill out a crown. There is a variegated loquat grown indoors as an ornamental variety in some areas. Loquats grow slowly, but are drought tolerant and adapt to many different climates and soil types without problems. yrtifolia) Though it is sometimes ranteum, which includes other sour leaved orange is different enough to ith its compact, branching, thornless es with very short internodes, this ’ve grown; it has great potential to ple feet tall. Its small, round fruit ur, with some bitterness in the peel. or a long time on the tree without dd to the beauty of the bonsai and o Europe hundreds of years before

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu sweet oranges were discovered, myrtle-leaved oranges have a long history of medicinal and culinary use. The fruits have a strong orange flavor, and are best using in cooking rather than eating fresh. Their high pectin content makes them ideal for use in candy, marmalade, chutneys, and sauces. Myrtle- leaved oranges can be used in all kinds of drinks, and are the source of the orange flavoring agent in classic orange liqueurs. Myrtle-leaved oranges need a ri bright light. This is a slow-growin likely won’t need repotting every small indoor bonsai with citrus orange tree is the best possible c Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa) dwarf evergreen shrub native to S strong thorns, fragrant white flow red plum-like fruits. A number o in coastal and desert environmen tolerant and very tough. I’ve seen and wilted. All parts of this plan yet it is planted widely as an ornam States. Its dangerous-looking dou being advertised as a child- and p people eat the fruit, which is ver fresh, baked into pastries or other

ul Bonsai Possibilities 69 Clusters of young myrtle-leaved oranges. ich, acidic soil, regular watering, and ng tree that won’t need a huge pot and y year. If you wish to create a classic flowers and fruit, the myrtle-leaved andidate. Natal (pronounced nuh-tol) plum is a South Africa. It has thick waxy leaves, wers reminiscent of gardenia, and edible of varieties are grown as ornamentals nts, as Natal plum is salt and drought n them come back from being shriveled nt are poisonous except the tasty fruit, mental in warm climates in the United uble thorns no doubt contribute to it et-proof hedge for warm climates. Few ry high in vitamin C and can be used r dishes, and made into jams, jellies, or

70 B O U N T I F U L Top: The thornless variegated dwarf Natal plum bears the same fragrant flowers and tasty fruits as the full sized green variety, but has spectacular foliage. This seventeen-inch specimen has been in training for seven months from a one gallon nursery stock plant. Bottom: This ripe Natal plum is about an inch and a half long.

L BONSAI sauces. Well known among indoor bonsai enthusiasts, Natal plum can be found at nurseries that carry a good selection of bonsai stock. These plants are well known for creating cascade bonsai where the crown hangs well below the bottom of the pot, as if growing off the edge of a cliff. Natal plums bloom freely with a delightfully scented five-lobed white flower. They bloom most heavily in the spring and summer, but also produce scattered flowers throughout the year, often flowering and fruiting simultaneously. A small plant less than a year old is likely to flower a couple of times a year with bright light; an older medium-to- large specimen with a thick crown can be expected to have flowers open more days than not over a year. There are many cultivated varieties, but the standard, full- sized original plant flowers and fruits much more heavily than any of the dwarf cultivars in my experience. Some dwarfs just have smaller leaves, thorns, flowers, and fruit, and a shorter internode length on the stem; I’ve trained an attractive golden variegated Natal

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu plum of this type. There are also some extremely compact thornless varieties with an almost otherworldly appearance, including a gorgeous cream and light-green variegated cultivar. That thornless variegated dwarf variety is one of the bestselling bonsai in my nursery, and reliably blooms in two- to three- inch pots in less than a year. These very compact varieties are especially suited for cascades, as they develop dense, heavy crowns on thin trunks and branches. Natal plum will survive a light frost with some damage, but can’t really tolerate temperatures below freezing. I have seen them four feet tall with four-inch trunks in landscaping around hotel pools in Phoenix, Arizona for removal, would make spectac also a ground-cover variety of N small leaves, flowers, and fruit, an With heavy pruning this can ma The various Natal plums are amo delightfully fragrant flowers and contrast with the wicked thorns latex sap, which seeps out when th Natal plums to beginners becaus tolerant, and can easily recover if

ul Bonsai Possibilities 71 This fifty-seven-inch-tall Natal plum has been in training for about eight years, starting as a five-gallon nursery plant. The flowers are very fragrant and the plums are tasty. ; such plants, if salvaged when slated cular bonsai in that climate. There is Natal plum that resembles a vine with nd a long distance between leaf nodes. ake a very interesting cascade bonsai. ong my favorite plants for bonsai. The d tasty fruit make for an interesting s and poisonous-looking milky-white he fruit is plucked. I often recommend se they are easy to grow and drought- f watering is a little late. They do want

72 B O U N T I F U L their water, but should be allowed to drained potting soil. They can somet bug pests that should be controlled high pressure water sprays. A matur bloom more consistently than any o making it a very desirable species to New Zealand tea tree (Leptosperm tree is often seen in bonsai displays. white to pink button-sized flowers attractive plant to train as bonsai. W this is not the same plant as the tea the widely used tea-tree oil. The w used for flavoring when smoking may not be as useful as others disc cate appearance can create a classic s freely. While adapted to dry climate tal if it gets too dry between wate large five-gallon potted cone-shape to make impressive bonsai in a singl the New Zealand tea tree makes a varieties grown for their fruit. Papaya (Carica papaya) Papaya norm but can be pruned to force branchin a papaya makes an interesting and start a papaya bonsai is to purchas and sprout the seeds by washing a them right away. Keep them warm grow quickly. Whether cultivated as branching, papayas have a striking a ing papayas from seed to a height o

L BONSAI o dry out between waterings in well- times be infested with scale or mealy by hand, with alcohol swabs and/or re Natal plum bonsai specimen will other species discussed in this book, o grow. mum scoparium) New Zealand tea . The tiny sharp leaves and scattered s on the small bush make it a very While it has been used to brew tea, a tree (Melaleuca sp.) that produces ood of the New Zealand tea tree is meats and fish. Though this plant cussed here, its tiny scale and deli- small traditional bonsai that flowers es, this species can be temperamen- rings. I have carved and replanted d topiaries of New Zealand tea tree le afternoon. As part of a collection, a nice contrast to the larger-leaved mally grows as a single-stem trunk, ng. Although it will have large leaves, d attractive bonsai. The best way to se a fresh papaya at a local market and drying them and then planting and wet, and they will sprout and s a single trunk or pruned to cause appearance. I have grown fruit-bear- of five feet in my Colorado home.

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu Pineapple guava (Feijoa sellowi with gray-green textured leaves an specimens produce spectacular fl bright red stamens surrounded by thick, fleshy white petals. These are edible and quite tasty. In the plant’s natural habitat in South America, birds often eat the petals, which is believed to facilitate pollination. My older specimens bloom every year but have yet to produce any fruit for me, even with efforts at hand pollination. Some varieties are self-fruiting, while others need cross-pollination to set fruit. While pineapple guavas are easy to grow, they are a bit fussy, needing a cold chilling period to set flower buds. Hot weather and/or lack of pollinators can prevent fruit set. This is an attractive tree that will make a larger-sized bonsai; it’s worth growing just for the flowers even if it doesn’t fruit. Pineapple guavas need a rich, well-drained soil with plenty of humus, which should be allowed to dry briefly between watering. Due to their relatively open growth habit, they require regular pruning over a

ul Bonsai Possibilities 73 ana) Pineapple guava is a larger tree nd flaky tan to rust-colored bark. Older lowers in the form of a large cluster of Pineapple guava flower petals are white on the outside and red on the inside, but they curl shortly after opening, hiding the red inside. r The red stamens and curled white petals of these pineapple guava y blooms create a strikingly beautiful a flower that is also good to eat.

74 B O U N T I F U L couple years to develop a nice crown varieties discussed here, pineapple case is possible to dramatically prun as seventy-five percent of the tree stumps on major branches. Regula will create tight crowns, making for Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) woody herb that can become a med upright, with square stems that ge pale-green leaves that release a de brushed. When I see this plant gro shop herb display, I can’t resist bru Its tubular bright-red flowers, whic birds and butterflies, arise out of lo throughout the winter indoors. Nati pineapple sage has a long history o which is not surprising, as even th flowers can be used in teas and sa both hot and cold beverages. They salads or cooked with fruits, veget cocktail with a sprig of pineapple s sip. While very fast growing, this s small tree, and will benefit from a with a root pruning to keep the po fresh soil. A good-sized specimen r with a couple more feet of flowerin fair quantity of leaves and some fl well-drained soil and a pot a little o grows fast. It will need a lot of wat plant from the herb section of you grown or kept in a large pot for a su