General: The genus Prunus comprises about 430 species, which predominantly occur in the northern temperate zone. The Japanese cherries are certainly the most famous and beautiful plants. With an unprecedented abundance of flowers, they signal the beginning of spring. In Japan, at the time of the cherry blossom, people make a pilgrimage to the appropriate gardens to admire this natural spectacle.
Care as a bonsai: Cherries should not be missing in any bonsai collection. With their blooming flowers, they symbolize spring and with them the flora awakens to new life. Cherries can be cultivated as bonsai without any problems. Due to their cut tolerance and good branching, they develop a beautiful and loosely branched crown even without wire. Cherries like to be sunny and should be watered regularly. The plants are frost hardy but should be protected in winter. In order to avoid early flowering, however, the winter quarters must not get warm too early in the year.
Special features of the variety: The Fuji cherry 'Kojou-no-mai' was grown in Japan. Its small, deeply slit leaves and the dense, strongly branched growth make it very suitable as a bonsai. In March it blooms with white, pale pink flowers and the leaves turn splendid red to orange-red in autumn.
