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Here are some of the results of the survey 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.
Or if you wish to see other, past surveys, click here.
Out of the 87 respondents to this survey in June '99, the FICUS was voted the most preferred plant in which to use for the 'root over rock' style. The main reasons for this was its tendency to commonly adopt this style in nature and forgiving attitude whilst also being a very attractive plant. Other very commonly-mentioned plants were the Maples - namely the TRIDENT MAPLE (Acer buergerianum) and CHINESE ELM (Ulmus parvifolia). Interesting, quite popular plants which also surfaced were the BOXWOOD and SERISSA. Question :
Opinions :
Drew McPhee from zone 5, US, says : Practicing bonsai for over 10 years. I think the CHINESE ELM looks fantastic when applied to the root over rock style. It is a charming-looking plant and a prime candidate for such a technique. Meryl Banster from Brisbane, Australia, says : Practicing bonsai for over 15 years. Undoubtedly, JAPANESE MAPLES (particularly Acer Palmatum var. 'Bloodgood') are the best plants for the root-over rock style. I have several and are both spectacular to look at and relatively easy to create. When shown artistically 'clasped' to a rock - especially in their spectacular autumn colours, it is a truly beautiful sight. I fully recommend such a plant - also great for beginners when starting out with this style. Jim Johnson from Adelaide, Australia, says : Practicing bonsai for over 5 years. FICUS. The roots cling well to the rock.
Nick Lenz from zone 4.5, Northern MA, US, says : Website : Practicing bonsai for over 35 years. LARCH. Of the winter hardy plants of this zone, only larch performs quickly and well with root growth and fusion. Stephen Otten from zone 8, Summerville, US, says : Practicing bonsai for over 10 years. CHINESE ELM. I think the root structure of this tree lends itself handly to root over rock style. David Chapman from zone 8, Florence, US, says : Website : Beginner at bonsai. KINGSVILLE BOXWOOD. They are so small but you can make them look like giant Oaks in a way. Plus they are easy to maintain. Damon Jensen from zone 9, Martinez, US, says : Practicing bonsai for over 15 years. TRICHODIODEMA. This succulent plant lends itself to this topic, with it's gnarled, exposed roots. I have mine twisted over a huge chunk of Amazonite! Ricky Kong from Bintulu, Malaysia, says : Beginner at bonsai. SERISSA. The tiny leaves make it look like a giant tree over a rocky mountain. The roots of this fast grower will grasp or hold the rock very soon. Louise Windeyer from Melbourne, Australia, says : Beginner at bonsai. TEA TREE. I have only just recently begun bonsai classes and love it. Although I am no where near having an opinion on the subject, I look forward to be able to speak with confidence about the art of bonsai. This is a fantastic site, thank you to everyone for sharing your knowledge with me. Jan Hendrik Jacobs from Nylstroom, South Africa, says : Beginner at bonsai. FICUS. In the "Waterberge" where I live you would always find the Ficus growing on the rocks. Sometimes even almost flat rock with its roots like a giant Octopus. Jim Rieden from Silver Spring, US, says : Practicing bonsai for over 10 years. TRIDENT MAPLE. One of the fastest trees to produce a good root over rock bonsai. |
