Page 39 - BSAM 2018 Q4

Scion Grafting:
Improving Foliage on a Juniper Bonsai
IBy Bjorn Bjorholm and Bonsai Empire
n this article, we discuss grafting techniques for Juniper bonsai. It is part of Bonsai Empire’s “Advanced Bonsai Course” with Bjorn Bjorholm. Specifically, we look at scion grafting for foliage replacement. Other forms of grafting, such as approach and root grafting are also covered in their online course. All of these forms of grafting, though, are applicable across most Juniper species, and if applied correctly, they can serve several purposes.
First, the most common purpose is to change the foliage type of the subject plant. Quite often, the natural foliage of a given Juniper will not be ideal for use in bonsai culture (i.e. it is too coarse, leggy, unkempt, or weak). Therefore, it may be necessary to graft stronger, less coarse, or more compact foliage to replace the original growth. This can be accom- plished by scion grafting or by approach grafting.
A second application of grafting is to change the root structure or the position of the root mass on the plant.
Quite often, collected yamadori Junipers lack a strong
nebari (surface root spread) or tachiagari (lower portion of the trunk just above the soil line) due to snow-induced rot, insect damage, or other environmental factors. Additionally, some Juniper species or individual plants lack a vigorous natural root system. In both cases, roots can be grafted at any position on the trunk to remedy any of these problems.
Top, (detail), and bottom; The natural foliage of this juniper is coarse and leggy. By grafting vigorous, yet delicate scions from a donor plant, the foliage will be greatly improved.
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