Bonsai come in small, medium and large sizes, are broadly divided into tree and grass types, and are further categorized by their form.

Bonsai comes in a variety of sizes, from the palm to over one meter. Each has its own charm, but the size that is easy to handle is the size that can be carried by one person. It is also recommended to grow on the veranda of the apartment.

Five bonsai types classified by their dominant features

Broadly speaking, bonsai are divided into “trees” and “grass”, with trees being further classified into four types depending on their dominant feature: coniferous (or evergreen), deciduous trees, flowering trees, and fruiting trees. Most trees that are not conifers are broadly referred to as “miscellaneous trees”.

As bonsai take on different appearances as the seasons change, each type is best viewed at a particular time of year.

Most flowering types are at their best when they bloom, between early spring and early summer, while the best time of year to view fruiting types is from fall through early winter, when the fruit matures and deepens in color. Grown for their leaves, deciduous types are attractive both in spring for their new growth and in fall for their changing colors. The bare branches left in winter after the shedding of their leaves is also a major highlight.

Coniferous or evergreen trees retain their green leaves even in winter and can be appreciated all year round, but it could be said that the period from fall to winter, when the green foliage of conifers stands in contrast to the bare branches of deciduous types, is when they are at their most attractive.

Here, we look at the various characteristics of each type and how to appreciate them.

Coniferous trees

When we think of bonsai, many people likely think of species of pines. The stereotypical evergreen needle-leaved tree, a pine’s greenery can be enjoyed all year round. Many famous trees that are hundreds of years old are also pine trees, and it has been standard practice to make pines the principal tree in ornamental bonsai displays.

Embodying both strength and grace, conifers are admired for their dignity and appearance of antiquity and can be trained into all kinds of forms. Particularly popular among the conifers are Japanese black pines, Japanese white pines and Chinese junipers, collectively known as the three branch families of conifers, or the big three.

Flowering trees

Types of bonsai that look best when in bloom are called “flowering types”, and their vivid hues and fragrances create an atmosphere of cheerful splendor.

Most flowering types blossom from early spring to early summer. The plum is the first to bloom, starting in winter, and is among other well known flowering trees such as camellias, cherries, quinces, roses, rhododendrons and hydrangeas. The highlight of these trees is of course the flowers, but as they are bonsai, the graceful shape formed by the trunk and branches and the overall orderly neatness are also important.

Fruiting trees

Types of bonsai that are best viewed when their branches are laden with ripe fruit are known as “fruiting types”. It can be said that they symbolize a bountiful harvest, with the fruit remaining on the trees after the leaves have fallen evoking the changing of the seasons. Most trees of this type fruit from fall to early winter, but oleasters and some other types bear fruit in spring or summer.

Typical fruiting types include persimmon varieties such as the diamond-leafed persimmon which recall the scenery of mountain villages in the fall; types of apple that look like cute, realistic miniature versions of the edible varieties; Japanese winterberries, pourtheia villosa, and firethorns with their little red berries; and Japanese beautyberries with their unusual, attractive purple fruit. Choosing a pot that sets off the color of the fruit increases the appeal of fruiting bonsai.

Deciduous trees

Types of bonsai that are admired mainly for their foliage, which gives the tree a different look depending on the season, are called “deciduous types” and usually indicate broad-leaved trees that lose their foliage in winter.

Sporting new buds in spring, fresh greenery at the start of summer, various colors in fall and completely bare branches in winter after they have lost their leaves, it could be said that these are the bonsai that offer the most enjoyment as the seasons change. Many lose their leaves over winter, although some such as the Asiatic jasmine retain their leaves year round.

Many foliage trees are sturdy and easy to grow, so are recommended even for beginners. Japanese maples, liquidambars, zelkovas, birch varieties, hornbeams, stewartias, ginkgoes and so on are typical deciduous trees.