The big three of the bonsai world are pines, junipers and maples. There are a lot of other plants that make wonderful bonsai but somehow don’t quite get the publicity that the big three get, and as a result, frequently are overlooked. Noteworthy in this group is the Hinoki Cypress. First, we need a bit of background. The trees naturally grow in Japan. A very closely related tree grows in Taiwan. The wood is very highly valued in Japan, partly for rot resistance and partly because of the fine-grained texture of the wood. As a result, the wood is used for a wide variety of purposes. Fine century old temples are made from Hinoki timber and, on the other extreme, high end ping pong paddles are also made from Hinoki wood. The botanical name for the Hinoki genus is Chamaecyprus which translates to false cypress, and the tree is frequently sold commercially under this name. While this name may amaze and delight botanists and horticulturalists alike, the tree is known to the bonsai world not as false cypress but the real deal.

There are literally hundreds of named varieties of the Hinoki Cypress which range from landscape trees to tiny dwarfs. The dwarfs come about in a special way. Conifers in general and the Hinoki in particular occasionally produce on branches little tufts of foliage known as witches brooms where something has gone wrong on the cellular level which prevents formation of a normal sized branch. These biological mistakes are propagated as cuttings and remain small. One would think that the dwarf cultivars would be ideal for bonsai, particularly shohin, but they are seldom seen. It is the landscape Hinokis where the bonsai interest lies.

Well’s Special variety of Hinoki is available at nurseries and is a particularly desirable cultivar for two reasons. First, it has finer and tighter foliage than many of the other varieties and second, it is usually grown on its own roots. Many of the other varieties are subject to root rot in the bay area when used as landscaping trees and as a result are sold grafted onto root rot resistance root stock. Grafted trees in general may pose problems with a smoothly tapered trunk later on. The problem comes from the fact that the rootstock may grow at a different rate than the tree above it giving a bumpy look to the trunk. Wells Special is not subject to root rot and is usually sold ungrafted.

When purchasing nursery stock for use as a bonsai, look for trees that have roots that spread evenly around the trunk, a trunk that has taper, and a tree that has a lot of small fine branches inside the outer foliage. These small branches are the basis for the splendid bonsai to come since the tree wants to grow long branches and these do not readily bud back, leading eventually to long skinny bare branches which are unattractive. Hence, special care must be given to keep these little branches alive and healthy since they are normally quickly shaded out and die. The secret is to cut back the longer branches to allow light to fall on the interior of the tree where the little foliage is located. Other important features of the potential bonsai are the trunk of the tree which should flow toward the viewer, and there should be lower branches that come toward to greet the viewer.

 Purchased nursery stock should be treated gently. The root ball should be cut down to fit a bonsai pot in a couple of stages over the span of two years or more. Also, removing large branches should be spread out over a couple of years. Hinoki do not handle hot sun well. Those of us who live in the Walnut Creek area should protect their Hinoki from afternoon sun. Also, it is best to provide some sun protection after repotting until the tree is established, even in the Oakland area. Other than that, Hinoki do not present any unexpected cultural challenges.