Boxwood
Boxwood Bonsai
Bonsai is nature's delicate sonnet
At Woodlanders, we curate an exquisite selection of plant varieties celebrated in the art of bonsai. Though offered in their natural form, each plant holds the inherent potential to be crafted into a refined bonsai masterpiece. Below, you’ll find species renowned for their elegance and suitability for bonsai, inviting you to embark on a journey of artistry and cultivation.
Begin with a Woodlanders plant and let inspiration guide your bonsai vision.
boxwood
Boxwood, with its dense, small leaves and fine branching, is a classic choice for bonsai, prized for its versatility and timeless charm. Known for its slow growth and ease of shaping, boxwood is ideal for creating intricate bonsai forms, from formal upright to delicate cascade styles. Its rich green foliage stays lush year-round, adding an enduring elegance to indoor and outdoor displays. As bonsai, boxwood embodies refinement and tradition, offering a miniature living sculpture that reflects patience and skill in every carefully crafted branch and leaf.
Bonsai artist Ryan Neil | Photo courtesy of Mirai
crepe myrtle
The crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) transforms beautifully into bonsai, admired for its vibrant summer blooms, smooth, peeling bark, and intricate branching. Its multi-colored flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple bring a burst of color, while its elegant, twisted trunk and fine, delicate leaves add visual depth. Known for graceful seasonal transitions, crepe myrtle leaves turn vivid shades in autumn, offering a year-round display. As bonsai, it embodies resilience and grace, showcasing a full cycle of nature’s beauty in miniature.
Photo from Woodlanders, 2024
hawthorn
With their gnarled trunks, delicate flowers, and vibrant berries, hawthorn species hold a special place in the world of bonsai. Evoking the look of an ancient, weathered tree, their small, serrated leaves and seasonal changes—from blossoms in spring to clusters of red berries in autumn—add dynamic beauty and character. As bonsai, hawthorns embody strength and longevity, symbolizing nature's ability to endure and thrive, making them a cherished choice for both novice and seasoned bonsai artists.
Photo of hawthorn species bonsai courtesy of Growing Bonsai
juniper
Juniper species are iconic in bonsai, embodying the spirit of resilience and harmony with nature. With their naturally twisted trunks, fine needle-like foliage, and dense growth, junipers are ideal for shaping into dramatic, age-old forms that evoke a sense of rugged beauty. They are highly adaptable to bonsai styles like cascade and windswept, showcasing their ability to mimic the shapes of trees found in mountainous, wind-beaten landscapes.
Photo of juniper species bonsai courtesy of Bonsai Empire
hinoki cypress
Native to Japan, Chamaecyparis obtusa [Hinoki Cypress] has been cultivated for centuries. The 'Filicoides' cultivar, named for its fern-like appearance, was developed to enhance the aesthetic qualities of the traditional Hinoki Cypress. Historically, Hinoki Cypress wood has been used in Japan for sacred structures, such as temples and shrines, due to its durability and pleasant fragrance.
Bonsai artist Unkown | Photo Courtesy of Mirai
myrtle
Myrtus communis, or common myrtle, makes a graceful bonsai with its delicate, aromatic leaves, fragrant white flowers, and decorative berries. Its fine foliage and natural compactness allow for intricate shaping, making it a favorite for bonsai enthusiasts who appreciate subtle elegance. Myrtle’s smooth bark and branching pattern lend an air of maturity even in smaller forms, while its flowers and berries add seasonal interest. As a bonsai, Myrtus communis symbolizes peace and beauty, embodying Mediterranean charm in miniature form.
Photo of Myrtus communis from Andrea Albergo at Saulieu Bonsai Show
sumac
Sumac species, with their bold foliage and unique, textured branches, create striking bonsai that capture the essence of wild landscapes. Known for their feathery, compound leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn, sumacs add a dramatic flair to bonsai collections. Their gnarled, twisted trunks and vibrant leaf colors evoke an untamed spirit, while their distinct clusters of red berries add seasonal interest. As bonsai, sumacs are celebrated for their sculptural form and expressive presence, embodying the beauty of nature’s rugged elegance in miniature form.
Photo courtesy of Hiroshi Takeyama trainer, a Japanese wax tree, Rhus succedanea, Fuyo-en Bonsai Garden, Omiya Bonsai Village, Japan.
holly
Holly, with its glossy, spiked leaves and vibrant red berries, makes a captivating bonsai that exudes both elegance and strength. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round appeal, while its bright berries offer a lively contrast against the dark green leaves, especially in winter. Holly’s naturally compact growth and distinctive leaf shape make it ideal for bonsai, allowing artists to create intricate, refined shapes that maintain a sense of wild beauty. As a bonsai, holly represents resilience and harmony, capturing a timeless, festive charm in a small, artful form.
Photo of Yaupon holly from the Living Art Bonsai Society
pomegranate
Pomegranate bonsai (Punica granatum) offers a captivating blend of beauty and symbolism. With its twisted trunk, glossy leaves, and striking red-orange flowers, it brings vibrant energy to any space. The miniature fruits that appear add a unique charm and seasonal interest, symbolizing abundance and vitality. Pomegranate’s natural resilience and elegant form make it an ideal choice for bonsai, embodying strength and prosperity in a beautifully compact shape.
Bonsai artist Ryan Neil | Photo courtesy of Mirai
Legendary bonsai plants, awaiting your artful hands.
