The Itoigawa Shimpaku Juniper is the most prized variety for bonsai due to its tight, green foliage and hard wood that can be formed into beautiful jin and shari. Many of the the most famous trees in Japan are Itoigawa and are valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars. We are providing them as young, flexible whips that are perfect for wiring into an interesting shape. The Itoigawa is suitable for every size of bonsai from mame to imperial. Grown from cutting at Kaede Bonsai-en, these trees are well established in 2 1/4" containers.
If purchased during the cold season, the foliage of true Itio turns a bronze color not to be confused with a dead juniper. Once weather warms, they get back to their green growing season appearance.
Common Name(s): Itoigawa Shimpaku, Itoigawa Junper
Latin Name: Juniperus chinensis 'Shimpaku' cv. Itoigawa
Type: Evergreen conifer
Native to: Niigata Prefecture, Japan (J. chinensis are widespread throughout East Asia, 'Shimpaku' are a natural dwarf form of the species found in Japan, and Itoigawa are a specific cultivar of Shimpaku native to a small area in the mountains near the city of Itoigawa in Japan)
Climate: Hardy in Zones, 4-9, they can be grown throughout much of the continental United States
Care: Wire early on to give the tree a beautiful twisted shape prized among specimens of this juniper.
Size: 3-5”