Outdoor bonsai

These are trees that, by nature, must be placed outside, ideal for balconies, gardens and terraces

Loropetalum chinensis

Family

Hamammelidae

Origin

Southeast Asia and Japan

Etymology

Chinese Blush Tree Bonsai. “Loropetalum” referring to the peculiar shape of the flower’s petals.

Loropetalum chinensis

Characteristics

Tree or shrub of medium growth; It is generally a kind of evergreen, but in very cold regions, it loses the leaves in winter and behaves like a deciduous species, sprouting again in spring. The leaves are purple to green, depending on the time of the year and the variety. It blooms abundantly in winter, forming 4-petal flowers grouped in bunches. The flowers are of various colors.


Location

In full sun to achieve an intense coloration of the leaves, although in warm periods a semi-shade situation is preferable so that no burns appear on the leaves.


Watering

It resists both excess and lack of water well, but prefers to live in a fairly moist substrate.


Fertilization

Spring, end of summer, and fall.

Re-potting

Every 2 to 3 years, in early spring.

Substrate

100% Akadama, or mixed with 30% of volcanic gravel.
This species prefers quite acidic soils, so it appreciates a certain level of humus or acid peat in the substrate.


Pruning and pinching

Pruning

From October to March, coinciding with the dormant period. Cut the shoots that leave the base of the trunk. Pruning can be done after flowering.

Pinching

Let the tree grow new shoots, up to 10 leaves, then cut down to the 2 first leaves.

Wiring

Between spring and summer. Remove the wires when the bark begins to be affected. Do not wire newly transplanted trees (wait about 4 months of vegetative growth).


Curiosities

In traditional Chinese medicine, dried loropetalum leaves are used to treat burns.


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