Here are some of the results of the survey to which the readers of 'The Bonsai Site' have contributed : This survey is now closed, but if you wish to contribute your views in our current survey, click here.
Of the 219 visitors who answered this survey in December '99 and January 2000, the most commonly voted plant for accent plantings was DWARF/MINIATURE BAMBOO (Arundinaria nitida). The varieties most mentioned were 'Buddha's Belly Bamboo' (Phyllostachys aurea), and SACRED BAMBOO (Nandina domestica) - which although not technically a bamboo, still displays many attractive features. Bamboo - which in some cases is classified as a bonsai but generally is used in accent plantings, works well in this situation because it is easily maintained and its sharp, slender, randomly-placed stalks provide a fantastic contrast to the perfectly-manicured bonsai.
Other interesting plants that were mentioned are MONDO GRASS (dwarf and black varieties) and ALYSSUM (Lobularia maritima).
Question :
Bonsai accent plantings (not bonsai under-plantings) are used to complement the formal bonsai, and are usually small plants such as grasses, dandelions, dwarf bamboo or seasonal plants such as the bulbs 'Spring Starflower' and 'Rose Grass'. They are planted in small, colorful containers and displayed alongside the actual bonsai. They are not to be trimmed in the same way as a bonsai and should be left to grow relatively freely.
Opinions :
Monty Jackson from Auckland, New Zealand, says :
Practicing bonsai for over 10 years.
MONDO GRASS. This has to be the ultimate choice for accent plantings. It's easy to grow, is attractive and multiplies well. Dwarf mondo grass is best, and then there's always the nice-looking black form
April Haliday from the US, says :
Beginner at bonsai.
SACRED BAMBOO. I like this plant, it's interesting because of its beautiful scarlet leaves in the autumn just before they fall. Although it is a naturally tall plant, if kept trimmed you can keep it small.
Cathy Santiago from zone 7, Spur, Texas, US, says :
Practicing bonsai for over 20 years.
SMALL AND MINIATURE BAMBOOS. Their leaves are usually a lighter green than the specimen plant providing a pleasing contrast. Ditto with the verticality when shown with a plant of more horizontal shaping. With enough water they need little care except for repotting.
Phil Krzyska from Newcastle, Australia, says :
BUDDHA BELLY BAMBOO. The origin of this type of bamboo is unclear, however the actual shape of the stalks are structually beautiful and the idea of buddha belly as a bonsai accent plant would be outstanding.
Sekphiew from Ipoh, Malaysia, says :
Beginner at bonsai.
LUCITA. It has delicate small leaves resembling a real tree, but for interest it also has thorns.
Anton Nijhuis from zone 8, Campbell River, Canada, says :
Practicing bonsai for over 2 years.
RUSHES - latin Juncus. Can be potted in any container with or without holes, tolerates wet feet. Many varieties resemble larger plant material but on a minature scale.
Billy M Rhodes from zone 9, Titusville, US, says :
Practicing bonsai for over 30 years.
DWARF BLACK MONDO GRASS. The plant only grows to about 2 inches, forms clumps and grows for me in a saucer with a large drainage hole.
Mike Fletcher from zone 3, Calgary, AB, Canada, says :
WILD GRASSES. The few times I've used them I wanted something simple and linear to offset the twisted nature of my trees.
Alan Gent from UK, says :
Practicing bonsai for over 5 years.
DWARF BAMBOO. Not too intrusive, but adds a nice complementary air to a planting.
Dennis McDermott from zone 4, Sydney, Australia, says :
Practicing bonsai for over 20 years.
RHODOHYPOXIS SP BULBS. Their size and design seems to work with all types of bonsai, especially to establish a spring/summer theme.
Margaret Frantos from Barcelona, Spain, says :
Practicing bonsai for over 5 years.
DANDELIONS. Absolutely beautiful 'wild' plants to totally contrast with the regimented, twisted, stringently maintained look of a bonsai.
Kelly from zone 9a, Metter, US, says :
Practicing bonsai for over 5 years.
ALYSSUM. I like the way it spills over the edges of the pot to hide it. I think that gives it that "out in the wild" look when you can't see the pot under it.
Bill Wennerberg from zone 6, Plymouth, MA, US, says :
Beginner at bonsai.
CAREX NIGRA/CAREX VAR. Non-competitive lush understory, with graceful natural habit.
Roger McKay from zone 10, Key West, US, says :
Beginner at bonsai.
DWARF BAMBOO. I like the traditional aspect of this particular plant and its clean uncluttered look.