For most varieties of bonsai, there are many approaches to repotting. Soil mixes, timing, and the number and selection of roots to be cut can vary widely depending on who is doing the work. When it comes to azaleas, this isn’t the case. Satsuki bonsai care – at least the basics – is fairly conventionalized. […]
Satsuki
Satsuki azalea bonsai at the World Bonsai Convention
The best thing about spring shows is the opportunity for color. Gyokurei Saien This was the first spring show I’d attended in Japan. I was struck by how nice it was to see bright indications of the season. Sayaka Jukokan Somewhere between one third to half of the satsuki bonsai on display at the 8th […]
Satsuki bonsai at Kobayashi Sangyou
Last week’s tour of satsuki bonsai in development at Kanuma’s Kobayashi Sangyou nursery didn’t hint at the general quality of trees there or at the scope of the operation. Most of the six or so greenhouses at the nursery were filled with well developed trees. The smaller, younger, trees were impressive in quality and in […]
Azaleas in development at Kobayashi Sangyou satsuki bonsai garden
Over the years, I’ve seen a number of spectacular azaleas at exhibits like Taikan-ten and Kokufu-ten – trees with super trunks, interesting movement and full canopies. I’ve appreciated them for years and they make a compelling case for satsuki azalea as a great variety for bonsai. On a recent visit to the Kobayashi Sangyo company […]
Rakujyuen satsuki bonsai garden
Kanuma City is satsuki central in Japan. It’s where the eponymous azalea soil comes from, and it’s home to numerous satsuki nurseries including Rakujyuen. Rakujyuen satsuki bonsai garden Rakujyuen is a family business run by Minoru Fukuda, his wife, his son Yoichi, and his daughter Chieko. Rakujyuen has a good selection of azaleas in a […]