Rotthorn can usually be found as a naturally beautiful hedge or solitary tree in local gardens. Because it is known to be very easy to cut, it can also be used by bonsai lovers as a hobby object that is tolerant of experimentation.
How do I properly care for a hawthorn bonsai?
A hawthorn bonsai requires year-round outdoor cultivation, regular cutting of the crown and roots, careful wiring and repotting every 2 years. Fertilize with organic fertilizer during the growing phase for beautiful flowering.
Basic instructions for hawthorn bonsai
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is a cultivated form of the two-handled hawthorn. Apart from the lush, double, crimson umbel panicle flowers, the hawthorn behaves very similarly to its cultivated ancestor. It also loves sun and needs nutrient-rich, moist soil. In addition, it is just as easy to cut and is definitely suitable for bonsai culture.
Please note:
- Cultivate outdoors all year round
- Cutting from top and bottom
- Wires allowed until the growth phase
- Repot regularly
Rotthorn bonsai belongs outside
Even if you want to keep a hawthorn as a bonsai, you have to take its own needs into account. As a completely frost-hardy sun worshiper, it is a pure outdoor bonsai candidate. Even in the usual bonsai pot position, it doesn't have any space in the room at all. So raise it all year round in a sunny, airy place in the garden or on the terrace.
Cut regularly – at every nook and cranny
Regular topiary is of course the basic basics for every bonsai culture. With hawthorn in particular, you should not only prune the crown, but also the roots. The branches and shoots are trained into the desired shape at regular intervals of 6-8 weeks throughout the growth phase from May to September. Every time you repot, you should also cut back the roots so that a balanced relationship to the above-ground part of the plant is maintained. This also promotes better root branching.
Wires no problem
You can easily give the branches of your hawthorn bonsai an artistic shape. The wire method is well suited for this. In spring, wrap the shoots in a spiral, bending them the way you want them to grow. Important: Before the growth in thickness begins in mid-May, the wire must be removed so that no unsightly traces of wiring are left behind.
Repotting and root pruning
To keep your hawthorn bonsai well-maintained and he althy, you should repot it every 2 years. It's best to do this in the spring. If necessary, place it in a larger planting container. Carefully cut back the roots and replace about two thirds of the substrate.
Fertilize
Fertilization is recommended during the growth phase. This way you can also achieve beautiful flowers. If possible, use organic fertilizer (€29.00 on Amazon).
