Out of the 47 people that contributed to this survey in March, 1999, the JUNIPER (Juniperus) received over half of all responses - voted the outright best plant for cascade style bonsai, namely Juniperus Procumbens Nana. Reasons given for this plant being chosen above the rest were its naturally draping form - lending itself readily to cascade and semi-cascade styles, its simplicity and ease, and how well it responds to bonsai training - producing quite an impressive specimen in a relatively short period of time. Other interesting plants mentioned as being good candidates for the cascade bonsai style were the JAPANESE MAPLE, PYRACANTHA, SATSUKI AZALEA and COTONEASTER.

Opinions :

Cameron Stewart from zone 9, Florida, US, says :

21-30 years old, practicing bonsai for over 10 years.

JAPANESE MAPLE. These are fantastic subjects for cascade style bonsai - they lend themselves easily to wiring and are quite hardy if given the right conditions

Dave Flagg from zone 6, US, says :

31-40 years old, practicing bonsai for over 2 years.

Any of the PROSTRATE JUNIPERS. The protrate Junipers quite naturally lend (or lean) themselves to cascade and semi-cascade styles. While J.chinensis is one of the few junipers that have a natural upright habit; J. procumbens, J. squamata, J. murraya all are easy to train downwards. They develop nice pads, and the branches hold their positions once wired.

D Jensen says :

My favorite cascading bonsai plant has to be GOLDEN LEMON THYME. I have an old specimen and the base of it is knarley and woody. It performs well as bonsai and I highly recommend it!

Chuck from zone 9, Port St Lucie, Fla, US, says :

21-30 years old, practicing bonsai for over 2 years.

PROCUMBENS NANA. Speaking from an asthetic point of view, I believe Procumbens to be the best choice. Horticulturally however, it is rahter slow growing and some other species have better vitality needed to thrive in the full cascade style.

David Reich from Budapest, Hungary, says :

31-40 years old, beginner at bonsai.

RHODODENDRON INDICUM. I love azaleas a lot and I think this species is the best and most beautiful. I have just made one into a cascade bonsai.

Michael Raska from Rolla, US, says :

21-30 years old, practicing bonsai for over 15 years.

GREEN MOUND JUNIPER (Nana). At the risk of sounding traditional, or heaven-forbid unimaginative, I feel the Green Mound (Nana) Juniper is the best overall - simple, forgiving, and easy to obtain. I've taught classes to college students over the last five years and have found this to be the best for them... My own personal collection contains mostly pines - my favorite though is a pyracanthia (call me weird?).

Tzhe Lam from zone 8, Vancouver, Canada, says :

21-30 years old, practicing bonsai for over 2 years.

JUNIPER. They have a free flowing nature suited to cascade style bonsai as well as most other styles.

Jim Harwood from zone 7, Hot Springs, AR, US, says :

61-70 years old, practicing bonsai for over 10 years.

JUNIPERUS PROCUMBENS NANA. It is very easy and the lower foliage retains strength with the little special care.

Daniel Avrin from zone 5-4, Highlands Ranch, US, says :

31-40 years old, practicing bonsai for over 5 years.

JUNIPERUS. There are juniper varieties for almost any style, but their penchant for putting out long cascading branches makes most types ideal candidates for cascade style bonsai.

Jerry Saville from Bethany, US, says :

31-40 years old, beginner at bonsai.

JUNIPER. Juniper is the tree that most people think of when they mention the word bonsai. They are easy to care for, put up with a fair amount of abuse, and take well to bonsai techniques. I like them because you can get a decent looking tree in little time from nursery stock.

Andrew N Lenz from the US, says :

51-60 years old, practicing bonsai for over 40 years.

LARCH. Infinitely trainable with time and a modicum of the grace of God.

 

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