Trees for bonsai (hornbeam)
Hornbeam is a deciduous tree or tall shrub with smooth gray bark. Two species grow in Georgia: Caucasian hornbeam (Carpinus caucasica) and oriental hornbeam. Hornbeam is shade-tolerant and warmth-loving, and frost does not harm it.
Medium and large bonsai in every style except Bunjingi (文人木) are created from hornbeam
Placement: a sunny spot or partial shade. In summer, it is best to keep it out of direct midday sun. Also protect it from strong wind to avoid damage to the leaves. It needs no special care in winter.
Watering: moderate; the soil in the pot should not dry out. On hot summer days it will need watering several times a day.
Fertilizer: feed once every 2 weeks from the end of March through September.
Pruning: thick branches are cut during dormancy. Always cover the cut with cut paste. Fine branches can be cut at any time of year. Maintenance pruning to keep the shape is done throughout the growing season. Full defoliation can be done every year, except in a season when the tree has been repotted.
Wiring: wire hornbeam in winter. Once the wire is on, it needs constant checking. If the bark is damaged, it will take quite a long time to heal.
Repotting: repot once every 2–3 years. It tolerates heavy root pruning well.
Propagation: from seed, by layering, from cuttings
