In principle, you can grow a more or less attractive bonsai from almost any tree. However, this is much easier to do with small-leaved trees than with a bluebell tree. After all, it is one of the trees with the largest leaves in the world.
How do I grow a bluebell tree as a bonsai?
To grow a bluebell tree as a bonsai, use seedlings or seeds, shorten roots and shoots, plant in a suitable bonsai container, choose a warm and bright location and water, fertilize and prune regularly.
Also, a bluebell tree grows very quickly. The growth per year can be more than one meter, and for a young paulownia even more than two meters. So you have to use your cutting tool quite often.
How do I train my Paulownia to be a bonsai?
In order to successfully train a Paulownia, which is the botanical name of the bluebell tree, into a bonsai, it is best to buy small sprouts very quickly.
By cutting immediately after purchase, you encourage the young plant to branch early. A shallow planting bowl prevents the roots from growing deep. This makes a careful supply of nutrients all the more important. The location should be bright and warm.
How do I care for my bluebell bonsai?
Even as a bonsai, your bluebell tree needs sufficient water and nutrients. Trying to keep it artificially small through extreme deficiency is not a good solution. Since a bonsai is usually grown in a rather small pot, your bluebell tree will need regular fertilizer, but only in small amounts.
Not only the upper parts of the plant need to be pruned regularly in a bonsai, but also the roots. For this purpose, only use clean and well-sharpened tools. Then place your bluebell tree in fresh soil and water it well. Over time, the foliage should grow back smaller and smaller, so that your bluebell tree becomes a pretty and harmonious bonsai.
The most important things in brief:
- grow from seeds or use seedlings
- Short roots and shoots
- plant in a suitable bonsai container
- water, fertilize and prune regularly
- Location: warm and bright
Tip
Beginners shouldn't necessarily dare to grow a bluebell tree as a bonsai. Since it grows quite quickly at the beginning, frequent pruning is necessary.
