Itoigawa Juniper

Acquired on: 2024-05-25

Overview

Itoigawa Junipers are a native variety in Japan that are known to be quite hardy, with bright green dense foliage. It grows quickly and is also often grafted on to old Shimpaku stock.

This tree was purchased from a Yarra Valley Bonsai Society sale from Shibui Bonsai. Itoigawa’s are quite rare to see in Australia, and bonsai enthusiasts such as Shibui and Bonsai Sensation have only recently started to put stock up for sale after many years cultivating and developing them.

Progress Updates

2024-05-25

• Acquired the tree from Yarra Valley Bonsai Society sale.

2024-06-01

• Repotting: Repotted into a larger container.

2024-06-23

• Wiring and Style: Initial wiring and style applied to accentuate and set movement in the branches. A significant amount of foliage was removed. I am slightly concerned about the removal, as it’s often advised not to defoliate evergreen trees as much as deciduous trees since the energy of the tree is in its foliage.
• Monitor tree response in spring to ensure it bounces back well.

2025-08-28

• The tree responded well and grew throughout the year. It is not about to enter spring and I will leave it’s foliage to strengthen and grow vigorously. Next cut back might happen at the end of spring coming into summer. If it has too much foliage in summer, it might take up too much water and leave the pot dry which would be dangerous for the tree.
• Have refreshed the fertiliser. Prior fertiliser was placed last spring and left for the year to get used up.