European beech

European beech holds its dead leaves through winter on young growth, a trait called marcescence, which gives a beech bonsai a distinctive out-of-season presence other deciduous species don't have. Growth is slow and the smooth grey bark stays smooth for decades, so a beech asks for patience over speed.

Care at a glance

Watering

Check daily in growing season; beech dislikes soggy roots. Roughly every 2 days in spring, 1 in summer, 2 in autumn and 5 in winter.

Light

Full sun to light shade.

Winter

Fully hardy; holds papery brown leaves through winter. Protect it when the forecast drops below -20 °C.

Feeding

Every 21 days, Apr to Sep, paused in the hottest weeks.

Repotting

Every 3 to 4 years, as buds swell, in Mar.

Growth

Slow growing. Hardy in zones 4 to 7.

The work calendar

Styles that suit it

ChokkanHokidachiMoyogi

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