Hackberry is one of the most popular trees among bonsai fans. And it is that, it is a very elegant species, very easy to grow , that resists high temperatures, but also short-term frosts.
Dare to make a hackberry bonsai .
Image – CBALICANTE
Our protagonist is scientifically known by the name of Celtis australis . It is popularly called, as you know, hackberry, and in Catalan as lladoner. It is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows in calcareous, clay soils. Its growth rate is medium-fast. It has deciduous leaves, small, about 2-3cm long, dark green. Its trunk is short, normally straight, although it can bend if it does not have all the light it needs, or due to the weight of the branches.
Once established, it can withstand several months of drought, although it does appreciate being watered from time to time. In addition, it also resists light and short-term frosts of up to -4ºC .
So, as a bonsai it is a really interesting plant. Let’s see how it is taken care of.
Image – Juan Muñoz Sales
The hackberry bonsai is suitable for beginners, although it must be taken into account that it does not heal wounds as well or as quickly as other trees, so drastic pruning is highly recommended. But, if you see that they are necessary, do them at the end of winter, before the good weather returns. This way, you’ll have a whole year to recover. Don’t forget either to prune branches that are too long, or to pinch them from spring to autumn to achieve a denser canopy . To do this, you have to wait until the shoots have about 4 nodes, and cut 2.
If we talk about the location, it will have to be in a very sunny area , since otherwise its development would not be adequate. Likewise, it is necessary to water about 3-4 times a week in summer and about 2-3 the rest of the year, preventing the substrate from drying out completely. And speaking of soils, you can use akadama alone, or 70% universal substrate with 30% perlite.
The hackberry must be transplanted every 2 years, in spring or autumn. Depending on the age of the tree, a third or a half of its roots will be trimmed. It is highly recommended that, after transplanting, Benerva be added in liquid solution (available in pharmacies) so that the roots heal as quickly as possible.
Enjoy your hackberry bonsai 🙂 .
