Pinus sylvestris
Native to Europe and Asia, the Scots Pine thrives in various habitats, ranging from lowland forests to high-altitude mountainous regions. It is commonly found in northern Europe and extends into Siberia. The species is well-adapted to poor, sandy soils and often grows on rocky slopes. It is a robust and hardy tree, making it an excellent choice for bonsai cultivation.
Styles and Sizes: Due to its hardy nature and adaptability, Scots Pine is suitable for various bonsai styles, including informal upright, slanting, and cascade. It excels as a medium to large-sized bonsai, with its natural rugged appearance lending itself to creating dramatic and visually striking bonsai.
Position: Scots Pine thrives in full sun and should be placed in a location that receives plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day. It is not shade tolerant, so ensure it is positioned in a south-facing aspect to encourage strong growth and dense foliage.
Watering: Scots Pine prefers slightly dry soil conditions due to its symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. Water thoroughly in the early morning, allowing the bonsai to utilise the water during the day. Ensure that the soil does not remain waterlogged overnight. During the growing season, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Fertilise every two weeks from spring to autumn using a balanced organic liquid fertiliser. During the hottest summer months, reduce feeding to avoid stressing the tree. Supplement with a liquid seaweed and iron tonic several times a year to promote overall health and vigour.
Repotting: Scots Pine is not particularly fussy about soil type but prefers well-draining soil on the drier side. Younger bonsai should be repotted every two to three years, while older trees can be repotted less frequently, depending on soil condition and growth rate. After repotting, place the tree in a shaded area until the soil surface dries out. Use a well-draining soil mix of 1 part loam, 1 part peat, and 2 parts sharp sand, or alternatively, 1 part Akadama and 1 part pumice.
Pruning: Prune in early to mid-spring. New candles should be pruned when they reach 3-5 cm in length, leaving only 3 of the smallest candles per cluster. Autumn pruning helps contain elongated shoots, leaving only two of the smaller shoots per terminal branch to maintain the desired shape and size.
Wiring: Wire Scots Pine between late autumn and winter when the tree is not actively growing. Remove the wire before growth becomes vigorous in the summer to avoid damaging the branches. Wiring helps shape the tree and develop the desired bonsai form.
Propagation: Propagate from Seed or Hardwood Cutting. Hardwood cutting success rate is very low, while from seed can be over 90%.
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