Pinus Mugo
Mugo Pine Bonsai
A member of the pinus species, these Mountain Pines are native to the European mountains. These are something of a bad-boy bonsai, requiring extra special care when repotting and pruning. However, with delicate cultivation these fine needled pines can be trained in some striking styles.
Mugo Pine Bonsai Care Tips
Placement
Mugo Pine Bonsai should be placed outdoors in full sun. A central European species they are hardy to temperate regions. Full sun is a requirement across the growing season, check the specimen’s health in temperatures bellow -5 degrees C.
Watering
Mugo Pine requires regular watering and even more so during the summer. In the winter period be sure to keep the soil moist.
Feeding & Fertilising
Do not feed between the mid to late summer. Feed with a general fertiliser every three to four weeks in the spring and autumn. Be mindful that overfeeding will bring on thickened branches and coarse growth.
Pruning & Wiring
Anytime from spring to autumn, you can prune the unwanted branches. Cutting should be done just above needle clusters. Late spring is the time to pinch out emerging candles. Remove one or two of the strongest candles in a larger cluster.
We recommend using wires with a thickness that matches the thickness of the branch: if the wire you choose is too thick you will damage the bark. If it is too thin, it won’t be effective.
Repotting
Repotting your tree is an important way to provide a fresh and suitable soil mix and ensure appropriate root health. Mugo Pines are a rare specimen that prefer repotting in the summer, between July and August has proven successful. Do not was the roots. Only remove old and poor draining soil. It is unessecary to prune foliage following root pruning.
Trees that are ready for repotting will require root pruning, a suitable new pot and appropriate soil mix.
Every species is different so please contact us for free soil-mix advice or to take advantage of our repotting service.
Pinus is a colossal genus of conifer trees found throughout the northern hemisphere. Over 121 species exist and there are over 800 recognized cultivars. Among the several species cultivated for bonsai are the Japanese White Pine and Japanese Black Pine. As well as their beautiful trees and Christmas trees, pine is one of the world’s most valued sources of lumber.
Bonsai trees aren’t only magnificent additions to an indoor oasis, they are more than capable of standing out in any garden. Many Bonsai species are incredibly hardy and withstand nature’s colder and damper turns with aplomb making them worthwhile outdoor plants. We have an extensive library of care guides for outdoor bonsai trees. It’s not about selecting the perfect bonsai, it’s about selecting the perfect bonsai for you.
