How to Make Cotoneaster Bonsai *EASY* 🌳Pruning and Shaping Ideas

Hi Everyone! In this video I show you how to create Bonsai from some Cotoneasters. Some of the trees we repot and others we are primarily working on the basic styling. There is quite a variation of material shown, therefore I will be showing my way of approaching trees like this in order to develop them for great Bonsai.

This video is relatively EASY to follow and if you're new to Bonsai, this is a great introductory video that explains branch structure, taper and ramification. Instead of creating a tree that is somewhat presentable, I show styling techniques that considers the future growth of a tree rather than an "Instant Bonsai".

Cotoneaster as a species is an excellent choice for Bonsai as it has a small leaf profile, grows small white flowers that then turn into little red berries. It is a fast growing species where you can achieve results over a shorter period of time. This species can be found in many gardens accross the UK as it is also very common in garden centres. I think the most suitable of cotoneasters is the Cotoneaster Horizontalis (Herringbone Cotoneaster).

TIMECODES:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Cotoneaster No.1
01:40 - What is Ramification?
02:27 - Pruning the Foliage
03:43 - Directional Pruning
05:32 - Cotoneaster No.2
06:02 - Wiring & Styling Options
08:10 - Cotoneaster No.3
09:14 - Refining the Trunkline
10:13 - Repotting
12:52 - Pruning and Styling
14:09 - Cotoneaster No.4

[susanbigler]

This is the first time I've heard Ramification explained! Thank You!!!!

[mandyhernon]

Just got one, soon to do its first styling. Great content in your video learned a couple of things. As an oldie, great to see a young person coming along in this great art. You will go far.

[firemouse]

I have so many cotoneaster at the foot of my hedge and was thinking about throwing them out since they are not native here and I want to support the wild bees in my garden... But now I'm going to dig them all out and make them into Bonsai!

[plumpy]

Informative video. Thank you. I do pretty well with perennials in my garden and annual pots. My wife bought me a cotoneaster bonsai a couple years ago to try my hand at something different, and I managed to kill it in about 5 months. I want to try again and this video gave me some hope that I won't kill a second cotoneaster! I will certainly come back and watch your other videos.

[davidstokes]

Really liked this video. Old man just now trying my hand at bonsai and I like the cotoneaster. If I give bonsai a try probably don’t have years to give to a tree, not meaning to be morbid. Here in FL they have an oak called a Live Oak. Thought I would cut a limb to the size I want (maybe 5” tall) and try to root it.
BTW you can’t get evergreens or cotoneasters here in FL, everything is tropical.

[annevb]

Great video, thanks! Really compact in information, but with enough background information on why you make decisions. This is great for me as a starter. Same holds for your other videos I've watched up till now. I stumbled upon your channel by getting recomended your shorts, they are very nice to watch as well. Also: love your vibe! I hope the videos keep on coming 😀

[wallygrandpa]

interesting video. I just got a cotoneaster and was searching for info. Thanks for sharing

[JeffWellington-muzp]

Great techniques. Best video on shaping and styling. I'm relatively new to Bonsai. I learned a lot from this video. Keep making them. Grew a ctoneaster from seed. It's doing well. I grew a larch from seed as well and could use some styling suggestions. Thanks

[dennaharmon]

Wonderful vid and I enjoy your teaching style!Subscribed!

[janethowell]

I have a garden full of self sown seedlings and young trees. Lots of bonsai practice 😁

[bonsaigardenwithmarksander]

Great video thank you it’s been most helpful 🙏🏻🎋

[joycefleming]

Great videos Adam, excellent information. And awesome hair dude!

[elementalbonsai]

Nice work ! Those Cotoneaster's are nice specimens for bonsai ! 👍

[carnel]

hello from France ! your enthousiasm is contagious. If I grow cotoneaster near juniper itoigawa, can it develop rust disease ?

[lorigraham]

My cotoneasters and other trees and shrubs put out seedlings all the time. See if a neighbor has something to share. I use these freebies for little forests and clumps.

[bernieone]

I have Cotoneaster Franchetii Bois growing in the yard. I would ideally like to leave it growing intje yard for another while to thicken up the trunk. Is there anything toud recommend doing now inorder to help thicken it? Can i wire it now to give the trunk a twist? Its very straight at the moment.

[nahdiabunga]

Setiap kali saya melihat video anda saya pastikan akan menontonya sampai selesai dan saya pastikan jempol ku selalu menempel di videomu karene penjelasan anda sangat berguna dan mudah untuk saya pahami
Terima kasih kawan

[davidstokes]

Thanks for this video, my friend. Really interested in cotoneasters. Here in FL garden centers carry mostly tropical trees. So unless I buy something online or have a nursery order a tree, I’m outta luck. Buying a tree, I would really want to see it first!

[scotthogbin]

I also have a cotoneaster in development stage, however its the larger leaf not the horizontals as they are getting hard to buy here in Australia due to being labled a invasive pest..or some silly reason! I like their growth habit and the way the branches zigzag naturally. Best of luck with yours Adam. I'm nearly caught up with all your video's as a new subscriber im enjoying watching your happy face and youthfull enthusiasm.. you and Nigel are my favorites.. i must have a hair fetish...💆‍♀️

[natrjack]

Please can you tell me what tools you use your pruning shears look great quality..