Bonsai, as one of China's traditional arts, is deeply loved by people for its unique artistic charm. Among many bonsai plants, Crape Myrtle, with its beautiful posture and rich varieties, has become a favorite of bonsai enthusiasts. This article will introduce you to several varieties of Crape Myrtle suitable for bonsai, allowing you to appreciate this lush "work of art" at home.
Crape Myrtle, also known as Itch-Flower, Seven-Mile Fragrance, etc., is a deciduous shrub or small tree. Crape Myrtle has numerous varieties, rich flower colors, and a long flowering period, making it highly ornamental. In bonsai making, choosing the right variety of Crape Myrtle is crucial.
1. Large-leaf Crape Myrtle
Large-leaf Crape Myrtle has a tall plant type, lush branches and leaves, and elegant flower colors. Its bark is smooth and easy to shape. When making bonsai, it can be pruned into various styles such as straight trunk, slanted trunk, and curved trunk, and has high ornamental value.
2. Small-leaf Crape Myrtle
Small-leaf Crape Myrtle has small and dense leaves, and gorgeous flower colors, making it highly ornamental. Its bark is rough and not easy to shape, but with careful pruning, it can still show a beautiful posture. When making bonsai, the small-leaf Crape Myrtle can be pruned into styles such as curved trunk and cliff.
3. Crape Myrtle Flower
Crape Myrtle flowers have bright colors and a long flowering period, making them highly ornamental. Its bark is smooth and easy to shape. When making bonsai, the Crape Myrtle can be pruned into various styles such as straight trunk, slanted trunk, and curved trunk, which is full of artistic sense.
4. Crape Myrtle Tree
Crape Myrtle trees have a tall tree shape, lush branches and leaves, and rich flower colors. When making bonsai, it can be pruned into various styles such as straight trunk, slanted trunk, and curved trunk, and has high ornamental value.
1. Choose the right soil: When making Crape Myrtle bonsai, you should choose soil with good drainage and strong air permeability.
2. Pruning and shaping: When making Crape Myrtle bonsai, you should prune and shape it in time according to the growth habits of the tree to make it show a beautiful posture.
3. Water management: Crape Myrtle likes a humid environment, so keep the soil moist and avoid water accumulation.
4. Fertilization: During the growing season, you can apply compound fertilizer appropriately to promote the growth of the tree.
5. Pest and disease prevention: Regularly check the Crape Myrtle and prevent and control pests and diseases in a timely manner.
There are many varieties of Crape Myrtle, and choosing the right variety is crucial when making bonsai. This article has introduced you to several varieties of Crape Myrtle suitable for bonsai, hoping to provide a reference for your bonsai making. During the production process, pay attention to soil, pruning, water management, fertilization, and pest and disease control. I believe you can create a lush Crape Myrtle bonsai work of art at home.
Note: The content of this article is original, and some data is from the magazine "Chinese Bonsai" for reference only.