Bonsai - Japanese Black Pine

Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) is the classic bonsai pine. Dark, stiff needles, bark that roughens up beautifully with age, and a tree that's tough as anything once it's settled in. It grows wild along the coasts of Japan and Korea, so wind, sun and salty air don't bother it.

This is a young tree with plenty of room to develop, potted in a glazed ceramic bonsai pot. A good pick for someone wanting their first proper outdoor bonsai, or a keen grower after a pine to shape over the years.

Care

Outdoors, full sun. Pines don't cope indoors, so give it a balcony, courtyard or garden spot with at least half a day of direct sun. Water when the top centimetre of soil feels dry, and check daily in summer as small pots dry out fast. Make sure water drains away freely. It hates wet feet. Feed from spring to autumn with a bonsai fertiliser. Shape it by pinching back the new spring shoots (the "candles"). Repot in spring only, every two to three years.

• Approx. tree height: 17cm
• Pot dimensions: 17cm (L) x 13.5cm (W) x 7cm (H)