The Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster Dammeri) is a small tree or shrub natively found in central and southern China and Japan, and many parts of Eastern Asia. It is a beautiful species for Bonsai, as it has small foliage, fragrant white flowers in the spring followed by berry-like fruit (non-edible) in the fall. It is an evergreen or semi-evergreen tree and is frost hardy, however as with all outdoor bonsai species, in a pot, it requires winterizing.
With a Cotoneaster, you will be rewarded with a vigorous growing tree that can provide excellent ramifications.
BONSAI CARE
The Cotoneaster grows well outdoors from early spring to late fall, after which it needs to be winterized. Its delicate branching is excellent for designing into a Bonsai and does very well with wiring and pruning.
Watering:
YOUNG: 6"-12" tall, comes in a 6" grower's pot.
MATURE: 8" - 16" tall, comes in an 8" handmade ceramic pot.
Soil (Substrate)
Bonsai soils are usually a mixture of organic potting compost (Pine Bark or Forest Floor), Akadama, pumice, lava rock in varying amounts.
It is important for the soil have good water retention while also draining well, along with very good aeration. The quality of the soil directly affects the health, size and growth of your tree. One of the worst things you can do to your tree is plant it in regular garden soil. Garden soil hardens when it drys and can often lead to a disadvantage when growing a Bonsai.
Soil mixtures can be purchased here, but given their weight and cost of shipping, you can also easily make your own.
Depending on the type of Bonsai you're growing, here are the general formulas for successful mixtures.
Deciduous Tree (Leafy and looses leafs in the fall)
10% Potting Compost
Coniferous Tree (Evergreen like Juniper, Cedar)
If you are not able to check on your Bonsai's moisture levels daily, add more Akadama to the mix.
Given how these soils erode over time, repotting every 2-3 years is required.
Here are some suitable replacements if you cannot find the recommended types of soil.
One of the best and easiest ways to fertilize your Bonsai, is to add a liquid fertilizer mix when water your Bonsai's once a month during the spring/summer. If your Bonsai looses leaves in the winter there is no need to fertilize it then. If you have a coniferous tree, fertilizing the tree once in the beginning of winter and once in the middle of winter should be sufficient.
